Your balcony to the galaxy above

With this image, we're excited to share our 2024 capture of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Located about 4,700 light-years from Earth 🌎 in the constellation Cygnus, this glowing emission nebula was shaped by the powerful stellar winds of the Wolf-Rayet star WR 136. The nebula's delicate arcs and filaments are formed as these winds crash into layers of gas previously expelled by the star, creating shock fronts that energize and illuminate the surrounding material. Its iconic crescent shape makes it a favorite target for deep-sky observers and astrophotographers. As we gaze at this celestial symbol of transformation, we're reminded of the beauty in renewal and change. Wishing you a bright and peaceful Easter 💛 may your days be filled with light, hope, and new beginnings. 🥰🤗 FRAMES / SUBS Lights (H-alpha) 95 x 180 sec Lights (OIII) 134 x 180 sec Darks 30 x 180 sec Flats 30 Dark Flats 30 Bias 100 Total integration time 11:27 hours⏱ PICTURE GEOMETRY Image Size 4,335 x 3,487 pixels Image Scale 0.630 arcsec / pixel Visual Field 00º 45' 32" x 00º 36' 38" RA Center 20 12 13 DEC Center 38 19 06 Constellation Cygnus Orientation 319.8 degrees E of N CONDITIONS AND ACQUISITION Acquisition Date Aug 26, 2024 Moon Age 21.6 Days Moon Phase Last Quarter Moon Moon Illumination 56% Angular distance to the Moon 91.8º Seeing 3 / 5 Transparency 3 / 5 Sky darkness (Bortle scale) 5 Ambient Temperature 8.0 ºC Camera Sensor Temperature -10.0 ºC Binning 1x1 . . . . . #nightsky #Astrophotography #spacetoday #universe_today #nachtfotografie #nachthimmel #nightphotography #nightscene #nightskyview #nebula #esa

🔭✨ Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift for a budding stargazer or need to upgrade your gear, we've got you covered with our Holiday Deals!

The perfect time to stargaze is during the autumn and winter months, when the nights draw in and the skies are darker.