The Orion Constellation in its natural environment

[Mike Salway]

Hi all

This image shows the Orion Constellation in its natural environment. It’s a widefield vista showing all the major components, including Betelgeuse, Rigel, the belt stars, M42, the Running Man, the Horsehead and the flame, parts of Barnards Loop and a faint display of IC 2118.

It’s only 35 minutes exposure, with no flats calibration, so it’s not as smooth as I’d hoped, but like all of my IISAC2009 images, it’s given me a glimmer of hope and something to aim for next time.

The image was taken at IISAC2009, on the Friday night when my USB hub was playing up and I couldn't control the camera from the laptop. I mounted my Canon 20D and my new 24-105mm L IS f/4.0 lens on top of my ED80 and pointed it at the Orion Constellation.

The exposures were guided through my 80mm refractor and the DMK21AU04, using PHD Guiding. The camera was controlled using the timer remote. The lens was at 47mm f/5.6, and each exposure was 5 minutes. Dark frame subtraction was done in-camera. 7 exposures @ ISO800, 35 minutes total data. No flats.

I'm really pleased with how the 24-105mm lens is performing - it's a definite keeper and will definitely make a return to this part of the sky in the future.

Blog Post - The Orion Constellation (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/2009/11/18/the-orion-constellation)

1200px wide version (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/download/32)

Thanks for looking.

[luigis]

Really wonderful image, detail, noise, contrast, colour perfect!
It's only odd to me to find Orion tilted sideways, I think a vertical orientation makes a stronger composition for this beautiful asterism.

[drevilsmom]

This is the plan I have for this winter. Small steps at a time for me. I had about 2 hours of information from the previous winter at 55 mm, and was only able to eek out about the same amount of detail you have there, however, I was limited to 2-3 minute exposures due to my mini GEM. I now have a better setup, so I'm hoping for 5 minute exposures. My hope is to get some good Barnard Loop details, but my camera is not modded, so we'll see! Very nice shot for only 35 minutes.

[Celestron]

Nice job! I see you have faintly captured the ring around Orion .