SH2-73 / LBN105-106: Integrated Flux in Hercules

[Boren]

Hi guys,

Here's one of 4-5 images existing of this region – filled with a molecular cloud lit by the Milky Way's integrated flux.

As noted under the image, this region was originally regarded mistakenly as an HII region, and accordingly included in the Sharpless catalogue of emission nebulae as SH2-73, probably due to the fact the brightest sections of the nebula show in the Palomar-Schmidt red plates. However, there's no HII region there… It is also known in other names, including LBN 105-106.

The nebula covers virtually the entire field and it is illuminated by the integral radiation field originating from the galaxy plane. These very faint reflection nebulae lie at a relatively high galactic latitude (about 45°) and are categorized as integral flux nebulae to indicate the particular source of illumination. Careful inspection of the high resolution image shows scores of background galaxies that appear conspicuously reddened by the foreground dust (ref. http://www.collectingphotons.com/News.htm).

Though the nebula doesn't show too much detail in any image, it seems that whatever's there comes out quite okay in this one.

It's my longest Powernewt exposure thus far (if I recall correctly), with 3:30 hours – only 5 min. more than my Seagull Nebula. At Bin 2 and F/2.8 for an 8" scope – this image gulped in much of the little number of photons this object generates

http://www.pbase.com/boren/image/142400400/original

I hope you like it, and any comments are, as always, very welcome!

Cheers,

Harel

[Quatermass]

Oh yes I like it very much stunning image love its ghostly wispy feel.

[Fenriz]

Stunning image Harel, don't think I've seen it before. Great job.

[ollypenrice]

The Dustmaster strikes again! Splendid, Harel, and as you say the little reddened galaxies are exquisite.

Olly

[Ponoobersie]

Stunning image!!! the detail is amazing and yes the reddened galazies are exquisite! it would be great to see a pic of the bottom right of this picture as there seems to be a fair amount of galazies in that region that seem to be fairly visable )

[Boren]

Thanks Mark, Olly, guys,

- many thanks for these nice comments. I am happy you liked it!

I just love those dusty regions, among colorful stars :-)

Cheers,

Harel

[MartinB]

Not seen this before. Super smooth and deep. Beautifully done

[Beyond_Vision]

Looks like you have been hoovering up all the dust again Harel . Another fanatstic image to add to your impressive gallery

Regards

Kevin

[sergeC14]

just one word: whoaa!

I guess that means you can now point anywhere in the sky and find a nebula...

Serge

[pele_1966]

lovely indeed.

Martin

[Boren]

Thanks Martin, Martin, Serge, Kevin,

I am really happy you liked it!

Cheers,

Harel

[Anweniel]

Very nice image

[Tim]

Like it Harel As you say, it's not so pretty, but the science there is fascinating!

Thanks for sharing.

[Boren]

Anweniel, Tim,

Many thanks for looking. I am happy you liked it - I find these dustry areas really fascinating.

Cheers,

Harel

[peter shah]

Another fine shot there Harel