This dramatic false-color view captures NGC 6334, the Cat’s Paw Nebula, in the Hubble SHO palette. Glowing hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur trace vast regions of star formation nearly 5,500 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. The nebula’s intricate structure and emission arcs give it its distinctive paw-like appearance, with several embedded star-forming regions illuminating the surrounding gas and dust.

Narrowband data isolates the emission from hydrogen-alpha, doubly ionized oxygen, and singly ionized sulfur, revealing fine filaments and shock fronts that are nearly invisible in broadband light. This composite highlights the violent, dynamic processes sculpting the nebula as young stars continue to form within its molecular clouds.

Third finished image from the big Tak/QSI 6162/Chroma combo.
This is a very Hydrogen rich region, so have deliberately allowed some of the background nebulosity to show through.

The Chroma 5nm filter worked a treat as the Ha was taken just 30 degrees from a full moon!
To me it resembles a genie pouring out of the magic lamp!Ha – 11x1200secs
O3-17 x 1800 secs
S2- 10x1200secs
RG&B 10×180 secs ea.

Captured using Ekos on a Mac.

Processed in APP & PS CC 2020 – with Topaz NR
Taken from my light polluted suburban backyard in Melbourne.

Telescope: Takahashi TOA 130 + Flattener 67

Camera: QSI 6162 WSG8

Mount: Takahashi NJP Temma 2

Filters: Chroma 5nm Ha & S2, 3nm O3 & RGB

Guiding Camera: Starlight Xpress Lodestar X2

Integration time (Exposure)17 hrs

LocationBurwood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Copyright: Andy Campbell