2,700 Minutes: 1,605 minutes Ha-OIII 7nm, 870 minutes S2, 225 minutes LV/IR (1X1)
Askar 130PHQ 130mm Astrograph (f/7.7)
ZWO ASI2600MC-Air (26 Megapixel astronomical color camera)
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The Night Painted With Stars
The Great Orion Nebula
For thousands of years, humankind lived in darkness after sunset with only the light of burning wood, wax or oil to provide illumination. Our connection to the night sky during this period ran very deep. From all but the largest cities, people venturing outside at night would see a black sky punctuated by the glow of over five thousand visible stars, the planets and the Milky Way arcing overhead. It filled our forebears' minds with wonder, reminded them that they were surrounded by the Universe and found its way into their most profound beliefs.
Today, electricity is plentiful, night lighting is ubiquitous but the night sky that was visible throughout all of human history is no longer with us. It's been replaced by a soft glow from our urbanized areas.
Now, for over two thirds of the world's population, views of the Milky Way and all but the brightest stars and planets are hidden behind domes of artificial daylight. These bright blankets continue to expand in all directions limiting our personal connection with the Universe to an ever dwindling number of remote locations where the night can still be seen in its ancient glory: painted with stars.
This image was produced under Bortle 5- 6 skies.
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Click here for a larger image!
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