Astrophotography at Pangue : the magnificent Tarantula Nebula

There may be many good pictures on this stunning nebula, but it's always great to have an opportunity to take it ourselves. The Tarantula is an emission nebula that stands on the edge of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a naked-eye galaxy visible only from southern latitudes, at a distance of some 160,000 light-years.

The view below displays the sophisticated shape of this huge nebula, as well as some hints of colours : the main body is somehow reddish, corresponding to the H-alpha light emitted by the hydrogen atoms, while central regions glow with the characteristic yellowish hue emitted by excited hydrogen atoms, as the result of the powerful ultraviolet radiation emitted from the many young stars born right here. Incidentally the central cluster of young stars, known as R136, is clearly shown in this view (high resolution format available on demand).

Photos: Cristian Valenzuela/Observatorio del Pangue - November 12th, 2015
Camera: Canon EOS 60D at prime focus of Meade LX200 16" f/6.3 ;