This is a relatively close star forming region (about 460 lightyears) in constellation Ophiuchus. Also visible below the nebulae Globular Cluster M4 at about 7200 light years distance and bright super giant star Antares in Scorpius just left to M4. On top the so called Blue Horsehead Nebula. Stripes of dark clouds at the left pointing to the core of our Milky Way.

It was one one the first shots with the Canon EOS Ra. I did not know how far south I could go from my location. The city of Winterthur in South West and the city of Frauenfeld to the East leaves a small window with just acceptable light pollution. I was really stunned when I saw the result. Did not expect this …

Acquisition Details

Lens: Sigma 135/F1.8 DG HSM ART
Lens Speed: F1.8
Filter: Haida Nano Pro UV-IR-CUT
Camera: Canon EOS Ra
Mount: Skywatcher Star Adventurer Pro
No Guiding
Light Frames: 118x30sec
Flats, Bias, Darks
No dithering
Camera settings: ISO 1600
Bortle 4-5
Acquisition Date: Apr 4, 2021

Processing

Stacking Software: DSS
Imaging: PixInsight

If you look carefully you might see some strange stripes which are caused by the fact, that I did not apply any dithering between exposures.