Notes: What you are looking at in the middle of the vertical row of "dots" or "stars" is not really a star, rather a nebula where new stars are being formed. This is seen from mid southern latitudes to mid northern latitudes, in the constellation Orion. The object is given the name "Great Orion Nebula" and is listed by noted astronomer of the 18th century, Charles Messier in his catalog as the 42 item. Also, in close proximity to the nebula is a further extension of the same, but due to its detachment from the bigger and brighter nebula, it is listed by him as the 43rd item. Note that it has a slight pinkish hue to it and appears as a small blur as opposed to a sharp star-like point light source.
These exposures have been taken using 50mm f4 lens focussed at infinity and mounted on a home-made barn-door/scotch mount, exposed for about 4-6 minutes.
For more information on Charles Messier you may refer to www.seds.org and look in the Messier section or www.messiermarathon.com.
Here is a picture of the Eta-Carina region of the milky way taken from near Gawler, South Australia using a 135mm lens stopped down to F5.6 exposed for 3.5 minutes. To the lower left is the southern cross and the "cluster of 5 diamonds" IC2602. Here is another widefield picture of the Saggitarius region of the milky way taken from Caton Farm, Ill using the same lens exposed for about 6 minutes. |
