.jpg)
Sh2-284 is a HII star forming region of gas and dust located in the constellation Monoceros approximately 15 thousand light years from the Earth. This remarkable nebula resembles the more familiar Rosette Nebula (Caldwell 49). Along the edges of Sh2-284 are several “elephant trunk” formations. These are monstrous pillars of gas and dust that stretch into the central void of the nebula. Perhaps the most prominent of the pillars is located to the left center of the nebula. It resembles the forefinger of a hand pointing to the stars in the center of the nebula. These pillars are formed by intense radiation and stellar winds radiating from the very hot stars of the central open cluster designated Dolidze 25. The radiation and wind from the cluster is responsible for clearing the central void in the surrounding nebula. Dolidze 25 is a very young cluster with an estimated age of approximately 3 to 4 million years.
Imaging telescopes or lenses: Takahashi FSQ130ED
Imaging cameras: FLI ML16200 ADT
Mounts: Takahashi EM 400 Temma 2M
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Takahashi FS60CB
Guiding cameras: QHY CCD QHY 5 II
Focal Extender / Reducer: None
Software: Sequence Generator Pro SGP (for capture) PHD 2 (guiding), Astro Pixel Processor & PixInsight,
Filters: Astrodon Ha, OIII, SII.
Accessories: Robofocus Focuser, ATIK EFW3
Original Resolution: 4500 x 3600 – this image is a crop to 3600 x 2400
Dates: 12th Jan to 16th Jan 2020
Frames:
Astrodon Ha 48 x 10′
Astrodon OIII 36 x 10′
Astrodon SII 36 x 10′
Total integration = 20 hours.