The Flame - NGC 2024

This is not often imaged as a central feature, but here is the Flame Nebula. This is an 18 x 6 minutes (ISO800) exposure set. I was rewarded with a substantial reflection in the lower part of the image from Alnitak. I managed to make it unobtrusive, but the lower part of the Flame may have an inaccurate color. Image can be seen here:

http://www.jthommes.com/Astro/DSLR/NGC2024Flame.htm


Optic - C8 at f/6.7
Camera - Canon 350D ISO800 no filters 18 x 6 minutes 8 Darks
Mount - G11/Gemini
Guiding - Megrez 80 mm at 555 mm FL, DSI Pro, PHD Guiding

I was actually a bit surprised on How Alnitak came out (better than I expected) - and on a C8 yet, go figure.

That looks pretty good, Jim.
Clicking on the image takes one to the full-sized version of the Flame, but clicking on the link below goes to a version of M 45.
Some of your larger stars show the two dark spikes that one sees with petzval scopes. I wonder why.
The color looks good to my eye and I think that you handled Alnitak well.

dan

Excellent Jim!!

Tom

Sweet shot Jim! 8)
Thank you!

Beautiful work Jim, as always!
Happy Holidays.
Tyler