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July 2024, 2024 Charles Lillo July 2024, 2024 Charles Lillo

Into The Depths (LDN1235 - Dark Shark Nebula)

LDN 1235, also known as the Dark Shark Nebula, is a fascinating dark nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. This striking region of space resembles a shark swimming through the cosmos, with dark, dusty clouds obscuring the light from the stars behind it. The nebula is an area where interstellar dust and gas are dense enough to block visible light, creating a silhouette against the brighter background of the Milky Way.

This particular deep exposure of the Dark Shark Nebula was captured from a personal remote observatory in Trevinca, Spain. The detailed image reveals the intricate structure of the nebula, highlighting its dense, dark regions as well as the faint, surrounding wisps of interstellar material. The clear skies and advanced equipment at the Trevinca observatory allowed for an exceptionally detailed view, showcasing the beauty and complexity of this cosmic phenomenon.

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2024, May 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo 2024, May 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo

M13 Hercules' Diamonds

M13, also known as the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, is one of the most remarkable objects in the northern sky. Situated in the constellation Hercules, this globular cluster is a densely packed sphere of hundreds of thousands of stars held together by gravity. Its compact core shines brilliantly, while its outer regions extend in a vast halo of fainter stars.

Located approximately 22,200 light-years away from Earth, M13 is one of the brightest and largest globular clusters visible from the Northern Hemisphere. Its age is estimated to be around 12 to 13 billion years old, making it one of the oldest known objects in the Milky Way galaxy. Studying M13 provides astronomers with valuable insights into the formation and evolution of globular clusters, offering a window into the early history of our galaxy.

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2024, February 2024 Charles Lillo 2024, February 2024 Charles Lillo

M106

In the astronomical tapestry of Canes Venatici, M106 emerges as a captivating spiral galaxy, beckoning the gaze of astronomers and stargazers alike. This celestial beauty, also known as NGC 4258, unveils its intricate spiral arms and luminous core in a display of cosmic grandeur. M106 belongs to the relatively nearby M94 Group of galaxies, adding to the cosmic richness of this corner of the universe.

Situated approximately 23.5 million light-years away, M106 offers a unique opportunity for scientific exploration. Astronomers have probed its core, discovering a supermassive black hole that fuels powerful jets emanating from the galactic center. The interplay of gravitational forces and cosmic phenomena within M106 provides a canvas for unraveling the mysteries of galactic dynamics and the profound influence of supermassive black holes on their cosmic surroundings. As observers peer into the depths of Canes Venatici, M106 stands as a celestial testament, blending artistic beauty with scientific inquiry in the realm of spiral galaxies.

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2023, November 2023 Charles Lillo 2023, November 2023 Charles Lillo

Entangled pair of stars WeBo 1 suitably caught in Heart Nebula IC1805, with Melotte 15

Melotte 15 is a young and energetic cluster, with its hot, massive stars illuminating the surrounding nebula, creating a visually stunning celestial display. The region is a popular target for astrophotographers and astronomers interested in studying the dynamics of star formation and the interplay between stars and the surrounding interstellar medium.

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2023, August 2023 Charles Lillo 2023, August 2023 Charles Lillo

NGC 6888 Crescent

NGC 6888, known as the "Crescent Nebula," is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cygnus. It's formed by the powerful stellar wind from a Wolf-Rayet star colliding with the surrounding interstellar material, creating its distinctive crescent shape. A fascinating aspect of this nebula is the presence of intricate, filamentary structures illuminated by the energetic radiation emitted by the central star, resulting in a captivating interplay of light and gas.

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