NGC 1999 'Hole in Space' Nebula

[physicus]

I've had some affection for this object since I accidentally discovered it a year ago whilst imaging M42 with my DSLR and telephoto lens, and vowed at some point to come back with the proper gear and conditions.  Conditions were pretty mediocre tonight as it happens, but I pushed on all the same.  This is about 20 mins each LRGB with the C9.25 with reducer, so about 1750mm, Atik 460 & AZEQ6.  Too low and murky for any great depth, but this object's defining feature is that big, black, keyhole - so long thought to be a dust cloud - when in fact it's a hole!  (btw, this configuration tends to generate those weird rainbow arcs from anything bright near by, not exactly sure the source of these - M42 area?)

 

 

[sulaco]

Nevr seen this one I don't think, good image.

 

[laudropb]

Very unusual looking object.

[symesie04]

Interesting but a hole in what exactly? Where in M42 is this?

[physicus]

18 minutes ago, symesie04 said:

Interesting but a hole in what exactly? Where in M42 is this?

Well, a hole in a cloud of gas rather than a hole in space of course, but you know what I mean.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_1999

[symesie04]

Wow what a fascinating object err no object, a fascinating piece of nothing