The Running Man Nebula

Last night was my “Orion night”. This was my second target of the night in Orion, the Hunter.

From Wikipedia: The Running man Nebula (also known as Sh2-279) is an HII region and bright nebulae that includes a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion. It is the northernmost part of the asterism known as Orion's Sword, lying 0.6° north of the Orion Nebula. The reflection nebula embedded in Sh2-279 is popularly known as the Running Man Nebula.  

Sh2-279[2] comprises three NGC nebulae, NGC 1973, NGC 1975, and NGC 1977[4] that are divided by darker nebulous regions. It also includes the open cluster NGC 1981. The brightest nebulosity, later listed as NGC 1977, was discovered by William Herschel in 1786. He catalogued it as "H V 30" and described "!! 42 Orionis and neb[ula]". The two smaller reflection nebulae were first noted by German astronomer Heinrich Louis d'Arrest, NGC 1973 in 1862 and NGC 1975 in 1864.[5] All three were included in the New General Catalogue in 1888.[6] The designation NGC 1977 is used in various sources for the reflection area around 42 Orionis (the south-east portion of the reflection nebula), for the entire reflection nebula (including NGC 1973 and NGC 1975), or for the whole nebula complex.[5]

This is a relatively bright nebula. I was able to shoot for just 75s images (vs my typical 180s images.  This particular target came out really well! One of my best shots!  I especially love that there are so many colors w/in the nebula… 

Details:
Date: 12/13/2022
Location: The Westport Observatory at the Westport Astronomical Society
Target: The Running Man Nebula (SH2-279) in Orion, the Hunter

Lights: 40 @ 75s each - ISO 1600
Darks: 50
Flats: 40
Flat-Darks: 50
Bias: 110

Camera: Nikon D750a, no filter, full frame sensor
Telescope: 14” Celestron EdgeHD with a 0.7 reducer. FL 2737mm
Guide scope: 102mm refractor
Mount: Astrophysics 1200 GTO
Filters: none
Software - Integration: PixInsight
Software - Guiding: PHD2
Software - Finishing: Photoshop, NIK Tools 

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