Alnitak, with the Flame and Horsehead nebulae (Tim Ellison)

Celestial hemisphere: Southern · Constellation: Orion (Ori) · Contains: Flame Nebula · IC 431 · IC 432 · IC 434 · IC 435 · NGC 2023 · NGC 2024 · Orion B · The star Alnitak (ζOri) · The star σOri

Alnitak, with the Flame and Horsehead nebulae, Tim Ellison

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Alnitak, with the Flame and Horsehead nebulae

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Alnitak, with the Flame and Horsehead nebulae

I photographed these targets on two occasions about a year ago. This latest attempt is a big improvement on those (which weren't fit for sharing!). But it does contain a major flaw. The pink smudge to the right of the Horsehead is what remains of a reflection of Alnitak inside the imaging equipment. The reflection was partially removed by the pixel rejection algorithm in processing, but the smudge remains. I think if I can have another go at the shot, keeping Alnitak perfectly centred in the frame, the reflection ought to be hidden inside the brightness of the star. I'm going to try that, if I get a chance.

Despite the above, I find it quite pleasing (surprising?) that an image like this can be produced from a fairly brightly lit location, without the use of any filters.

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Alnitak, with the Flame and Horsehead nebulae

Alnitak, with the Flame and Horsehead nebulae

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Alnitak, with the Flame and Horsehead nebulae

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