NGC 2023

Click on image for larger version.

This nebula is actually surrounding a large B type star. This star is a distance of 1600 light years from the sun. B type stars typically have a surface temperature somewhere in the range of 11,000 - 25,000 Kelvin. In comparison the sun has a temperature of 5,000 Kelvin. This star forming region has a particle density of 5000 particles per cubic centimeter. The interstellar medium (the space between stars) within our own galaxy averages 1 particle per cubic centimeter. Compare that with air near the surface of the Earth which averages 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 molecules per cubic centimeter!

Equipment

16in RC Optical Systems telescope Operating at f/8.8
Paramount ME Robotic Telescope Mount
SBIG ST10XME CCD camera with color filter wheel

L R G B color production was used to create this image.

Luminance = 31 minutes binned 1x1
 Red = 12 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 12 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 12 minutes binned 2x2
  • The streaks of extra light are from the glare of a bright star just outside of this field of view (Alnitak).
  • Digital Development (DDP) via Maxim/DL was also used in order to display the the very dim and very bright details of the image simultaneously.

    		•

    Minimum credit line: Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

    RETURN to the GALAXIES page.

    BACK to main Best of AOP page.

    Would you like to take images like this? Click here.

    [NOAO logo] Return to NOAO Home Page

    Updated: 10/07/02