Thirsty for hydrogen and stars, the Elephant extends its dark trunk into the surrounding nebulosity, a testament to the vast, wild beauty of the universe. Being a dark nebula, the trunk is extremely cold and dense, which allows for intense star formation (as revealed by the blue giants peeking out from the dust lanes). Over millions of years, radiation and stellar winds will remold this nebula, perhaps into another shape resemblant of an animal back here on Earth.
Acquisition Date: July 8, 2021–July 30, 2021
Acquisition Site: Backyard
Image Details: 264 x 300s (21h 50m)
Equipment: ZWO ASI2600MC-Pro, Takahashi TOA-130NFB, AP1200GTO, Radian Triad Ultra Filter 2″