The Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33)

The Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) and Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) are two of the many deep sky objects in the constellation Orion.

Both of these nebulae can be found right around the southernmost star in Orion’s belt and as seen in the image above sitting on either side of the belt star Alnitak. The Horsehead and Flame nebulas are both rich emission nebulae that get their illumination from the nearby stars. The Horsehead nebula specifically is referred to as a dark nebula because of the pillars of dust and gas that block the bright light behind it. 

Learn more: The Horsehead Nebula 

This nebula has always been an interest to me and one of my top goals of imaging targets for the Winter. While this version was done using my Canon T3i and Optolong filters shot at various times between December and February I have plans to return to this with my ASI 1600 next winter.