The Heart Nebula + Mirko Tondinelli + L-UItimate

The Heart Nebula

Credit: Mirko Tondinelli

Filter: Optolong L-UItimate filter

 

 

The Heart Nebula (also known by the catalogue designations IC 1805, NGC 896 and W4) is a vast H II region, i.e. an area of ionised hydrogen, where intense star formation takes place. Its distinctive shape, reminiscent of a human heart, has given it its common name. Star Formation: Inside it is a system of open star clusters, which are not very concentrated. The most notable is the open cluster Melotte 15, whose hot, massive O-type stars (some up to 50 times more massive than the Sun) are responsible for ionising the gas in the nebula and shaping it with their stellar winds and radiation.
Its main feature is two large areas that appear empty but are actually rich in ionised oxygen, which contribute to its heart shape. 
The Heart Nebula is a popular subject in astrophotography due to its distinctive colours and fascinating shape. 

 

 

 

Equipment used:
TS 90 owl at 430 mm
Omegon 571vTec 
L-Ultimate Optolong Filter Images 
66 light at 300"
Guidonia Montecelio (Rome)
Processing in HOO using both PixInsight and Photoshop.

Hope you like it.