Messier 78; Ghosts of Starlight (Framed)

Image Description

Messier 78, also catalogued as NGC 2068, is a reflection nebula embedded within the Orion B molecular cloud complex. Unlike emission nebulae, which produce their own characteristic glow when gas is ionised, M78 shines primarily by reflecting and scattering the light of young, hot stars embedded within the surrounding cloud of dust. The result is the distinctive blue glow that gives M78 its appearance — and its rather appropriate nickname, the Casper the Friendly Ghost Nebula.

The two bright stars at the heart of M78 illuminate the surrounding dust, while dense clouds and dark lanes absorb the light from behind. These structures give the nebula its intricate appearance, with seemingly solid walls of dust separating pockets of reflected starlight.

But M78 is more than a particularly photogenic reflection nebula. It is part of an active star-forming environment, where dense molecular clouds are giving birth to new generations of stars. Deep observations reveal a much more complex region than the familiar blue glow suggests, with young stellar objects and associated emission extending throughout the surrounding cloud.

The addition of over 30 hours of Hα data allowed us to bring out some of the much fainter hydrogen emission surrounding the reflection nebula. Combined with the broadband LRGB data, this gives the image a view of M78 that goes beyond its familiar blue appearance and reveals some of the wider structure in which this small group of young stars is embedded.

Imaging System

Our twin 130mm APO quadruplet refractors are mounted on a strong custom adaptor plate, riding securely on a Paramount ME. At the rear of each OTA is a rotator and EFW with complete Antlia LRGB + 3nm SHO filter sets, these in turn feed the photons into twin ASI2600MM Pro cameras. Though the Paramount is capable of unguided imaging, we opted for OAG to support dithering. Focus is automated for each OTA through ZWO EAFs. Power distribution and USB control is managed through a Pegasus UPB v3, with remote power strips and a UPS for redundancy.

The system is hosted by PixelSkiesAstro remote observatory in Southern Spain where the roof frequently rolls off to a clear, dark sky. Both telescopes run in parallel, doubling the exposure time on target.

We utilise NINA for an almost completely autonomous data acquisition solution, relying heavily on the Target Scheduler plugin to synchronise all three cameras and select the most suitable targets from our wish-list. SyncThing ensures the raw data is transferred overnight and waiting on our home PCs each morning, ready for backup and queued for calibration. The complexity of the rig is matched by an equally capable imaging server with redundant drives, ample memory and automated Discord status updates - keeping us both informed throughout the night.

Print and Frame

The sleek aluminium frame with a polished finish pairs perfectly with premium semi-glossy paper, enhancing colours and adding a protective layer against fading from light or moisture. The artwork and frame ship pre-assembled and ready to hang:

• Frame Material: Durable aluminium.
• Frame Colour: Black.
• Frame Measurements: Approximately 20mm (0.8") thick and 10mm (0.4") wide.
• Paper Finishing: Semi-glossy, enhances colours with a subtle shine.
• Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
• Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.
• Available Sizes: 21x29.7cm, 30x40cm and 50x70cm.