The famous Tarantula Nebula, NGC 2070, is found at the south-east corner of the LMC. At 160,000ly, this
nebula is huge, measuring some 930ly in diameter. There is nothing in our observable galaxy that
approaches it in size, and it is believed to be the most active star-burst region in our Local Group of
galaxies. It is a prominent H-I and H-II emission nebula, and is so luminous, that if it were located at the
same distance as the Great Orion Nebula (M42), it is estimated that it would cast shadows. Its position
on the leading edge of the LMC "where ram pressure stripping, and the compression of the interstellar
medium resulting from this, is at a maximum" (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarantula_Nebula).
The nebula contains a number of open star clusters, the most prominent being NGC 2070, and common
practice has been to give the host nebula the same catalogue designation. Its common name was
bestowed in the early 20th century from its features in photographs.
This image shows just the H-I (H-α) emissions. It helps enhance the detailed structure of the nebula,
highlighting its turbulent nature.
Telescope: William Optics FLT110 refractor + 2x Barlow (f=1540mm)
Camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro, gain=250
Exposure: 35 x 300 sec, Optolong 7nm H-α filter
Bortle 3-4 sky, 65% Moon waxing
Field of View: approx. 0º 40’ x 0º 30’
Image processed and prepared in PixInsight and Photoshop Elements
Comments