The Heart Nebula is a stunning astronomical object that has captured the hearts of stargazers and astrophotographers alike. This beautiful nebula is located in the constellation Cassiopeia and is named for its distinctive shape, resembling both a romantic and anatomical heart.
At the center of the Heart Nebula lies a cluster of young stars that are illuminating the surrounding gas and dust. These stars are believed to have formed only a few million years ago, making them relatively young in astronomical terms. Their powerful radiation is causing the gas and dust to glow in a brilliant display of pink and red hues.
When I first started my astrophotography journey, I knew that the Heart Nebula was the first object I wanted to photograph. Faint, low in the sky, challenging to process – but I’d made up my mind. I had a long love for astronomy for years, and there was nothing more fitting for my first attempt.
Since then, I have come back to Heart several times, each time collecting more data, and improving my image processing skills. Below is my latest attempt at IC1805 – The Heart Nebula.
IC1805 – The Heart Nebula
This image is made from 18 hours of exposure data, collected using a William Optics Zennithstar 73 apochromatic refractor, an EQ6-R Pro equatorial mount, and an Optolong L-eNhance narrowband light pollution filter. I used the ASI 294 MC Pro dedicated one shot colour astronomy camera, and the imaging rig was controlled using ZWO’s ASIAIR Plus.
Exposure Length: 240 seconds
Number of Exposures: 270
Calibration Frames: Flats, Darks
Sensor Temperature: -20 °C
Attempt 1 vs Attempt 4
The above image shows a comparison between my first attempt at the Heart Nebula, along with my latest. Looking back, I now notice the bloated stars, over-darkened background, over-saturated colours and blurriness of the image. But in the moment, I was ecstatic with the result. Astrophotography comes with many frustrations, technical challenges and battles against the weather, but it will also humble you, demand your very best effort, commitment and passion. And eventually, you’ll look back and realise how far you’ve come.
For so many astronomers, the Heart Nebula is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the universe. It is a testament to the power of nature and the incredible forces at work in the cosmos. Whether you are an amateur astronomer or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the night sky, the Heart Nebula is a sight that is sure to inspire and awe.
So the next time you find yourself gazing up at the stars, take a moment to look for the Heart Nebula. Allow yourself to be transported to a world of beauty and wonder, and remember that there is so much more to the universe than what meets the eye. The Heart Nebula is a reminder that the universe is full of surprises and that there is always something new and amazing to discover!
Ancient Canvas Photography 