First Light: Capturing the Eagle Nebula with the Askar 140 APO
It's always an exciting moment when a new piece of equipment hits the backyard observatory, and this past week was no exception! I had the pleasure of taking the first light images with my new Askar 140 APO telescope, and the results are simply stunning.
For this initial outing, I set my sights on a true celestial icon: the Eagle Nebula, also known as M16. This iconic emission nebula is famous for its dramatic structures, often referred to as the 'Pillars of Creation'.
What you're seeing here is a monochrome image specifically showcasing the hydrogen gases within the nebula. These vast clouds of ionized hydrogen are the very birthplace of stars, glowing intensely under the radiation of hot, young stars within.
Acquisition Details:
- Telescope: Askar 140 APO
- Camera: ZWO 294MM Pro
- Filter: ZWO Ha (Hydrogen Alpha)
- Exposure: 5 minutes
- Mount: ZWO AM5
- Control: Asiair Mini
This particular image is straight from the raw data, offering an unadulterated view of the raw beauty captured by the equipment. The clarity and detail, especially in the hydrogen alpha wavelength, are truly impressive for a first light. It's a promising start for the Askar 140 APO, and I can't wait to explore more of the cosmos with this fantastic instrument!
