Horsehead Nebula - H-alpha

Iconic dark nebula in Orion captured in hydrogen-alpha

Click to explore in full resolution

Deep Space Capture

Technical Specifications

Resolution: 3825x6170

Integration: Hydrogen-alpha narrowband

Captured: Backyard capture

Equipment: William Optics Redcat 71 with ZWO ASI2600MM Pro camera on Advanced VX mount

Location: Backyard location

Processing Workflow

ZWO 7nm hydrogen-alpha filter for emission line isolation

Narrowband technique for enhanced contrast

ZWO ASIAIR Plus automated acquisition

Processed in PixInsight

Scientific Context

The Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) is one of the most recognizable dark nebulae in the night sky. Located in the constellation Orion, this dark cloud of dust silhouettes against the bright emission nebula IC 434 behind it.

This hydrogen-alpha image reveals the nebula in its classic monochromatic presentation, highlighting the contrast between the dark dust cloud and the glowing hydrogen gas. The Ha filter isolates the 656.3nm emission line, providing excellent contrast and revealing fine structural details in both the dark nebula and surrounding emission regions.