NGC1499

The California Nebula is a very large, 160'x160' emission nebula located in the constellation of Perseus. The characteristic h-alpha glow is most likely being energized by the nearby Xi-Persei, the brighter star just below center and to the right. There is some remarkable landscaping that Ha imaging brings out in this object, which is somewhat obscured in standard RGB imaging. This shot was taken in mag 3 skies from my backyard near Orlando, FL.

Image info:

10" Homebuilt Newtonian

Starlight Express SXVF-H36 monochrome camera

35x6 minutes (210 total)

f/4 with MPCC

Imaged with Maxim and tweaked in PS

Guided with SX OAG and SX guide head

11.30.08

My backyard