Constellation Aquila: A Celestial Eagle's Glimpse
Aquila, the Eagle, is a prominent constellation gracing our night sky. Known for its striking representation of a bird in flight, it's a favorite among stargazers and astrophotographers alike.
The Stars of the Eagle
The constellation Aquila is home to some truly remarkable stars. Let's highlight the three brightest members:
- Altair: Positioned at the center, Altair shines with a magnitude of 0.77 and is a mere 17 light-years away. It holds a special place in the night sky as part of the famous Summer Triangle and is the second brightest star visible during the summer months.
- Alshain: Located to the lower left of Altair, Alshain is approximately 45 light-years from Earth.
- Tarazed: Situated in the upper right, Tarazed is a more distant star, lying about 460 light-years away.
Capturing the Eagle
This breathtaking image of Aquila was captured using the following equipment and processing techniques, offering a glimpse into the dedication behind astrophotography:
- Camera: ZWO 2600MC
- Telescope/Lens: ROKINON 135MM
- Mount: AM5
- Acquisition: 100 images, each 3 minutes long.
- Processing: Performed using PixInsight.
- Sky Conditions: Captured under Bortle 6 skies.
This dedication to detail allows us to appreciate the subtle beauty of celestial formations like Aquila from our own planet.