B 228 - Molecular clouds in the constellation Lupus
This image shows the extended dark nebula Barnard 228 in the constellation Lupus. It consists of cold interstellar dust and gas that absorb the light of background stars, making the cloud appear as dark structures against the stellar backdrop. At the same time, the nebula reflects the diffuse glow of the Milky Way, as it lies somewhat off the galactic plane.
The varying densities within the cloud are clearly visible: in the thinner regions, faint background stars shine through, while the denser fragments completely block the starlight and form dark silhouettes.
At the center of the nebula lies the small yellowish reflection nebula GN 15.42.0, which I have previously captured in greater detail with the CDK14.
| Date: | 24.-27.05.2025 |
| Optics: | Williams Optic RedCat 51 |
| Aperture: | 51 mm |
| Focal Length: | 250 mm |
| Camera: | ASI 071 MC |
| Exposure: | 24 x 600 s |
| Location: | Chamaeleon Observatory, Onjala Lodge, Namibia |
| Processing: | Nebulosity, Registar, Regim, Photoshop |
| Diameter: | 35 light years |
| Distance: | 500 light years |
