PK 164+31.1 is sometimes known as the headphone nebula because, visually in a small scope, say my 10" Cave, one head strap is nearly invisible compared to the other one. This makes it look like a pair of headphones.

On more than one star atlas this planetary nebula is identified as NGC 2475 which is really a pair of galaxies not far away. For newbies the PK in the correct catalog name stands for Perek and Kohoutek, two Czech astronomers who cataloged many planetary nebula. Some of which are now known not to be planetaries though they sure look like they are. In this case we do have a real, but very old, planetary. It was discovered by two astronomers Jones and Emberson hence that name.

The temperature was about -21C when I took this shot. My seeing is awful when it gets that cold. The cold air mixes with the warm air coming up off the lake ice which is warmed by the 0C lake under it. The result is a mixing of air cells that really ruins my seeing. Still this night didn't have the heavy ice crystals in the air I normally have at these temperatures so I was able to pull out a lot of background galaxies, some right through the planetary.

Taken with my 14" LX200R @ f/10, L=4x10', RGB=2x10', STL-11000XM, Paramount ME

Rick

Attached Images

PK164+311LUM4X10RGB2X10_67LQ.jpg (120.1 KB, 45 views)

Lovely and sharp in the outer ring. I am guesssing you used Ha in the luminence? It is a beautiful object.

Kindregards
Matt

Thanks.

No H alpha used. Just 4 10 minutes luminosity filtered frames and 2 10 minute frames each in RGB as I stated in the post. Very dark skies did the rest. If I use H-alpha I mention it. If used, it is used in 20 or 30 minute frames except in rare situations such as resolving the Trapezium.

Rick

You have a Beaut! Rick a very beautiful photo of the nebula and a very interesting subject, just simply Outstanding!.

That is an outstanding image. I am always impressed with your images of the less commonly photographed objects.

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Hi Rick, I can see the head phones, but this one very much reminds me of a soap bubble. Amazing shot.

-Veeger

Lovely image.

Thanks for sharing.

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"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein

"The good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge " - Bertrand Russell

Beautiful.

Thank you for sharing.

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If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. CARL SAGAN

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slang: And it made ash out of yew and tree.

Good work Rick. Nice PK 164+31.1 In Starrynights pro plus it is referred to as NGC 2475 but noted that it is actually a pair of galaxies.

Good work on pulling out those faint fuzzies, I've found myself looking out for these in most images i view. it will be a while before i can take galaxy hunting seriously though... i've got a lot to learn yet

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