Wonders of Orion’s Molecular Cloud

This wide-field image captures some of Orion’s most iconic deep-sky objects. On the right shines the bright Orion Nebula (M42), a vast star-forming region, next to the Running Man Nebula. To the left, the red Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) and the dark Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) are seen, the latter silhouetted against the glowing emission nebula IC 434. At the bottom left, the reflection nebula M78 adds a bluish glow.

The dark lanes stretching across the field are part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex immense reservoirs of gas and dust where new stars are born.

Captured from the skies of the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 using a Samyang 135mm f/1.8 lens, ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera, and Optolong L-eNhance filter, with about 6 hours of total exposure time.

Telescope/Lens: Samyang 135mm f/1.8
Mount: iOptron HAE43
Camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro (cooled)
Gain: 120 — Camera Temp: 0°C
Filter: Optolong L-eNhance
Guiding Scope: Svbony Mini Guider Scope 30mm/120mm F4
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI120MM
Exposure: 71 × 300 sec ≈ 6 hours total integration
Software: ASIAir

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