The Dark Shark Nebula

[Andy Elliott]

Another from what will become my dark nebulae series.

The Dark Shark Nebula (LDN1235) is part of a large molecular cloud in the constellation Cepheus. LDN1235 actually corresponds to the ‘eye’ of the shark, which, together with other dark nebulae in the region give the form of a shark. Within the dark nebulae are two blue reflection nebulae, vdB 149 (below the shark's head) and vdB 150 (above the shark's head), reflecting the light of stars within the nebulae. There is also a small spiral galaxy (PGC67671) located to the right of the shark’s ‘dorsal fin’ just right of the bright white star.
Shot during May 2023
Esprit100ED telescope
ASI2600MC camera
EQ6R pro mount
Acquisition using N.I.N.A; 320x150s
All processing in Pixinsight

The annotated image can be found here: https://astrob.in/o6ub9t/0/

 

[JimFox]

This is so awesome! A great image of the shark Andy. I haven't done much with the dark nebula's, but seeing this is making me feel like I need to get it onto the list.

 

[Comet Hunter]

Outstanding

 

[Mike Lewis]

This is fantastically well done - definitely one of the best images I have seen of this fascinating region. Perfect processing has really brought out all the faint dust and gas in a very natural looking result, super job!

ML

 

[Andy Elliott]

This is so awesome! A great image of the shark Andy. I haven't done much with the dark nebula's, but seeing this is making me feel like I need to get it onto the list.

Thanks Jim. Yes I have been getting in to these dark nebulae of late. I have quite a target list to work through.

 

[Andy Elliott]

This is fantastically well done - definitely one of the best images I have seen of this fascinating region. Perfect processing has really brought out all the faint dust and gas in a very natural looking result, super job!

ML

Thanks Mike, that's very kind. I was pleased with how I was able to pull out the detail, I do enjoy processing these dark nebulae. The current one I am working on is LDN1082, again in Cepheus. That is a constellation that just keeps on giving

 

[Mike Lewis]

Thanks Mike, that's very kind. I was pleased with how I was able to pull out the detail, I do enjoy processing these dark nebulae. The current one I am working on is LDN1082, again in Cepheus. That is a constellation that just keeps on giving

Andy,

I will definitely look these dark nebulae up that you are imaging and get them on my 'to-do' list - very inspirational stuff from you indeed.

EDIT: - ahah! I did not realize that LDN 1082 is also referred to as B150 - I did a 2 frame mosaic of that and the Fireworks galaxy. It was my first mosaic, and one of my very first dark nebulae and I did like how it came out. I am now officially looking forward to your results on that one - I am sure it will be awesome again!

ML

ML

 

[Comet Hunter]

What filter was used?
I am going after this target tonight, and wasn't sure what filter to use considering its so dark and faint. I am in a 5-6 bortle sky
Thanks in advance!

 

[Andy Elliott]

What filter was used?
I am going after this target tonight, and wasn't sure what filter to use considering its so dark and faint. I am in a 5-6 bortle sky
Thanks in advance!

Sorry, just catching up on things as been away from my computer. I am in Bortle 3, no filters were used. Hope your imaging of it went well.

 

[Comet Hunter]

Sorry, just catching up on things as been away from my computer. I am in Bortle 3, no filters were used. Hope your imaging of it went well.

Outstanding. I can only wish, I'm in a bortle 6 enviroment