HOTSHOTS

CHRIS HEAPY, MACCLESFIELD, 29 DECEMBER 2016

Chris says: “I had imaged this area back in 2014 using a smaller camera, but using the same 5-inch refractor with my new G4-16000 enabled me to capture the surrounding structures at similar resolution, revealing NGC 2259 in the bottom-left corner. Ultraviolet radiation from the central star cluster is ionising oxygen in the area surrounding, resulting in a beautiful ethereal blue glow.

During post-processing I was careful to avoid oversaturating the colours as I feel the more subdued palette suits this subject well.”

Equipment: Moravian G4-16000 CCD camera, TeleVue NP127is apo refractor, 10 Micron GM 2000 HPS II mount.

BBC Sky at Night Magazine says: “This is one of the most crisp, clear and detailed images of the region we’ve ever seen. The detail around the Cone Nebula (near the centre) is incredible; so too are the wisps of nebulosity, the dark patches of dust and the countless stars stretching out into the cosmos.”

About Chris: “I have been interested in astronomy since the age of 10, inspired by Patrick Moore. Over the past few years I have concentrated on imaging all sorts of objects, from wide-field vistas of galactic nebulae to small galaxies and planetary nebulae.”