A delicate tangle of filaments drifts through the void in this ethereal portrait of Sh2-240, more commonly known as the Spaghetti Nebula. This vast supernova remnant, spanning nearly 150 light-years across, is the ghostly aftermath of a massive star that exploded approximately 40,000 years ago. Situated on the border between the constellations Taurus and Auriga, this faint and expansive structure is one of the largest supernova remnants visible from Earth, though its tenuous tendrils of ionized gas make it a challenge to observe.

Captured in the HOO palette, this image isolates the nebula’s intricate web of filaments using hydrogen-alpha and oxygen-III emissions. The deep red hues trace the remnants of the progenitor star’s outer layers, while the soft cyan glows highlight the presence of oxygen-rich shock waves sweeping through interstellar space. These delicate strands, shaped by the expanding shock front, weave an intricate cosmic tapestry that is slowly dispersing into the surrounding medium.

Despite its ghostly appearance, Sh2-240 continues to shape its environment, compressing nearby gas clouds and potentially triggering the birth of new stars. As this ancient stellar remnant gradually fades into the depths of time, it serves as a reminder of the relentless cycle of stellar death and rebirth that sculpts the universe.

Simeis 147, affectionately known as the "Spaghetti Nebula" or cataloged as Sharpless 2-240, unfold a mesmerizing spectacle. This expansive supernova remnant bears witness to the cataclysmic death throes of a massive star, which, in a bygone era, expelled its outer layers into the interstellar medium. Its ethereal strands of ionized gas and dust, intricately shaped by the forces of the explosion, weave a captivating narrative of cosmic destruction and rebirth.

Approximately 3,000 light-years from Earth, Simeis 147 spans a considerable region of the celestial canvas. Its moniker, the "Spaghetti Nebula," is a fitting tribute to the nebula's intricate filaments and wisps that dance across the vast expanse. This image reflects a harmonious blend of scientific exploration and artistic finesse, capturing the delicate intricacies of a celestial spectacle that bears the indelible mark of stellar evolution.

Image Description and Details :

It took me 2 months to acquire enough lights to make anything out of it.

Indeed, I shot 14 winter nights between November and January (5 of which played with my nerves with the fog lifting at nightfall without being able to do anything).

So I shot from the Vosges, I camped in 0 ° C in Alsace, I shot from my astrobro Christope in Moselle, I went south of France to Valensole and I moved on several spots on several nights in this region.A total of 3,600 km of road to acquire the 55 hours of lights retained which consist of:

Tile 1:
Ha -> 71x600 ’’
Oiii -> 78x600 ’’
R G B -> 90x10 '' per filter

Tile 2:Ha -> 94x600 ’’
Oiii -> 78x600 ’’
R G B -> 90x10 '' per filter

While the acquisition was long and complex, so was the processing, I had to work with 400GB of data for a final image of 15 000 x 12 000px.Suffice to say that the PC has smoked!
Once again a big thanks to Christophe who illuminated me with his advices during the processing and gave me invaluable help, thanks also to Nico for his always correct eye!

Technical part:
Takahashi FSQ106 EDX4 with 645-QE super reducerAsi 2600MM Pro
Barilla (Antilla) RGB + H and O 3nm filters
Eq6r-pro
Altaïr 60/225 guide + asi 290mm mini
Sky bortle 3-4

Acquisition: N.I.N.A + Phd2
Processing: Siril + PixInsight + Photoshop

Taken in several parts of France between 2021/11/10 and 2022/01/03

Copyright : Yann SAINTY

Image Description and Details :

This was shot over the course of 18 nights, spanning 4 months (winter skies in Nashville aren't the greatest). The Canon lens was @ f/4.

The real challenge with this photo came from the Spaghetti Nebula (aka SH2-240, Simeis 147). It's incredibly dim and barely shows up in a single 20 minute sub, which is in stark contrast to brightness of the Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405, SH 2-229, or Caldwell 31) and Tadpoles Nebula (IC 410, NGC 1893). I had to process this as HDR so that they appeared to have the same brightness.

Imaging lens: Canon EF 85 mm f/1.8 USM
Imaging cameras: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
Mounts: Sky-Watcher EQ6R-PRO
Guiding telescopes or lenses: ZWO Mini Guide Scope
Guiding cameras: ZWO ASI290MM Mini
Software: Pleiades Astrophoto PixInisight · Photoshop CC
Filters: Optlong L-eXtreme 2" · Optolong L-eNhance 2"
Accessory: ZWO AsiAir Pro

Dates:
Dec. 10, 2020, Dec. 11, 2020, Dec. 13, 2020, Dec. 18, 2020, Dec. 21, 2020, Dec. 22, 2020, Jan. 6, 2021, Jan. 13, 2021, Jan. 14, 2021, Feb. 4, 2021, Feb. 8, 2021, March 4, 2021, March 5, 2021, March 7, 2021, March 8, 2021, March 9, 2021, March 10, 2021, March 11, 2021

Frames:
Optolong L-Pro 2'': 40x15" (gain: 100.00) -10C bin 1x1
Optolong L-Pro 2'': 40x30" (gain: 100.00) -10C bin 1x1
Optolong L-Pro 2'': 40x60" (gain: 100.00) -10C bin 1x1
Optolong L-eNhance 2": 143x1200" (gain: 100.00) -10C bin 1x1
Optolong L-eXtreme 2": 56x1200" (gain: 100.00) -10C bin 1x1

Integration: 67.5 hours

Darks: ~40

Bortle Dark-Sky Scale: 8.00



Copyright: Jeffrey Horne