Object: Orion Nebula in H-alpha
Date: 3/10/06
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Telescope: TeleVue 85mm refractor (f/5.6) piggyback on a Meade 10" LX200
Guiding: Webcam (SC1) and GuideDog SW
Camera: Meade DSI Pro II using a Schuler 9mm Ha filter.
Exposure: 32 x 30 sec
Processing: Captured using Envisage. Dark calibration, registration, and Adaptive Addition in Images Plus.  Final adjustments in Photoshop. 
Comments: This image captures the famous Orion Nebula in H-alpha light.  Hydrogen gas ionized by young stars being formed in the region, glows at the H-alpha wavelength (656.3 nm) much like a deep red neon sign. The narrow band filter in front of the sensor only allows the wavelengths of light very near the Ha line to pass.  This enabled me to take this image from within town and under a four/fifths full moon with no adverse light pollution effects. 

© Dave Dockery 2006