I have to admit to never having heard of the Prawn Nebula, but this is a marvellous image - particularly viewed large.

There are a few interesting names out in space I have learnt a lot since I first started this deep space. I think its been worth it as my retirement brain teaser with all the problems and getting things done. Keeps the mind very active and cold into the bargain out side.

Wow. Such images as this are both amazing and frightening at the same time. Amazing because they show how vast our universe is; and, of course, frightening for just the same reason. My awareness of my insignificance scares me sometimes.

How far away is this nebula, Steve? Any idea?

If you look at this you will see just where the Prawn Nebula is close to middle shot. This is about 6000 light years away and I get a photo. I have added a link from Wikipedia. Been a 2 year journey a lot of pulling hair out and shaking the head but I am starting to see the light as the end. I don't think there is ever an end to this hobby. There is such a lot out there we really don't realize and my reach is very small till I get a bigger scope.

From what I saw from Brian Cox our worry is Andromeda Galaxy (152,000 light years away)will in the long distant future will eat the milky way as its a smaller galaxy, SIZE matters. Sadly Andromeda is just so low I cant get a photo in the city I have to be out on and open farm field to get a shot this far south.

Definitely worth the time spent editing the images Steve A must for viewing large

Thank you Peter been some thing that I always wanted to do till I first started and all the problems. The results from this simple equipment I believe speak for them selves. I do look forward to getting a bigger scope to get further out on some of the smaller parts out there.

Hi Steve
A wonderful and interesting picture, as always.
I am so impressed that you can make an image like this from so small a light source!
Great colours too
Best Wishes, a nice weekend, and stay safe!!
Peter

The hardest part is trying to edit what you have in front of you to what you see as a collective on the Net and make it look real. I have to say never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be here. In part mostly because of a computer as that has to run the whole show and what this photo is all about.



If you set you mind to it it is possible even for you to do it as well certainly had my interest sparked by my fathers books and modern full frame cameras. many thanks for the comment makes it all worth while.