This image is a first for me - it's the first time I have connected a dedicated astro camera and FW to a
DSLR lens (Sigma 150
APO). The short backfocus of the ASI294 camera allows the FW connection in the optics train and still achieve the lens flange backfocus requirement. The result is a 7.37 degree
FOV (in the major axis).
The target is the North American Nebula region (
NGC 7000, LBN 373, Sh2-117). In this field are multiple LBN and LDN cataloged items Only selected LBN's are annotated because there are so many. The field also includes the Pelican Nebula (
IC 5070, LBN 350),
IC 5068 (LBN 328), and the Gulf of Mexico Nebula (LDN 935) The major dust lane that runs approximately vertically through the field consists of LDN 914, 935, 936, 940 941, 945, 950).
There are a few other interesting objects: Dark nebulae Barn 349 and 352, Open Clusters Berkeley 54 and
NGC 6997, Planetary Nebula
NGC 7027 (PK84-3.1) Deneb peeks in from the right side of the image. Although the image scale doesn't do justice to the open clusters and planetary nebula.
Image and details can be accessed at the link below (or by clicking on the North American Nebula thumbnail below). The annotated image has a link below but it can also be accessed from the main image webpage as well. The full
FOV image can be accessed from the image webpage and has an image scale of 7.0 arcsec/pixel.
Annotated Image:
North American Nebula Region Annotated
Scope: Sigma150 APO lens at f/4.5
Camera: ASI294MM (Baader Ha, RGB, ZWO OIII filters)
Location: DAA Observatory, Shelter Valley, CA
Jim Thommes
Jim's Astrophotography
David Levy Maksutov Newtonian, Celestron Edge 9.25, FSQ-106N Refractor (on loan), WO ZenithStar 66 APO Refractor, WO Megrez II APO, Sigma 150 mm EOS Lens
Losmandy G11/Gemini, iOptron GEM45, Celestron Advanced VX, iOptron CEM70
ST8300M Camera, Atik 383L, Canon 350D (IR cut modified), ASI1600M, ASI294M, ASI260M
Observatory -
Desert Astronomy Association (Shelter Valley, CA)