M16: Eagle Nebula

M16–The Eagle Nebula. Look closely, and you’ll see the Pillars of Creation, a star nursery 7,000 light years away and 5 light years tall. This photo captured the ocean of hydrogen-alpha red light and luminous gas plumes using a narrowband filter. Taken only after a long night overcoming many difficulties, this was my first successful nebula photo.

Acquisition Date: July 27, 2020–July 30, 2020

Acquisition Site: Backyard

Image Details: 86 x 180s (4h 18m)

Equipment: ZWOASI2600MC-Pro, Takahashi TOA-130NFB, AP1200GTO, Radian Triad Ultra Filter 2″