Nebula 3 Free vintage gear emulation Nebula is a VST multieffect plug-in that is able to emulate and replicate several types of expensive audio equipment, eliminating the need for costly and bulky hardware. Mz 3 (Menzel 3) is a young bipolar planetary nebula (PN) in the constellation Norma that is composed of a bright core and four distinct high-velocity outflows that have been named lobes, columns, rays, and chakram. Already have an account with the League of Comic Geeks? Nebula is a multi-effect plug-in that emulates several types of exotic audio equipment, eliminating the need for costly hardware, bringing you worlds of new options. Nebula uses libraries which are created by a sophisticated “sampling approach”, making it possible to virtually capture all of the subtle nuances of the sonic imprint of any.
| Emission nebula | |
|---|---|
| Planetary nebula | |
The Ant Nebula taken by Hubble Space Telescope in 2008 | |
| Observation data: J2000epoch | |
| Right ascension | 16h 17m 13.392s[1] |
| Declination | −51° 59′ 10.31″[1] |
| Distance | ~8,000ly (~2,500 pc)[2]ly |
| Apparent magnitude(V) | 13.8[3] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | >50″ × 12″[2] |
| Constellation | Norma |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Radius | 1.0 ly[a] ly |
| Absolute magnitude(V) | 1.8[b] |
| Notable features | Three nested pairs of bipolar lobes |
| Designations | ESO 225-9,[1] Ant Nebula,[1] Chamber of Horrors[c] |
| See also: Lists of nebulae | |
Mz 3 (Menzel 3) is a young bipolarplanetary nebula (PN) in the constellation Norma that is composed of a bright core and four distinct high-velocity outflows that have been named lobes, columns, rays, and chakram. These nebulosities are described as: two spherical bipolar lobes, two outer large filamentary hour-glass shaped columns, two cone shaped rays, and a planar radially expanding, elliptically shaped chakram.[4][5]Mz 3 is a complex system composed of three nested pairs of bipolar lobes and an equatorial ellipse.[6]Its lobes all share the same axis of symmetry but each have very different morphologies and opening angles.[6]It is an unusual PN in that it is believed, by some researchers, to contain a symbiotic binary at its center.[5]One study suggests that the dense nebular gas at its center may have originated from a source different from that of its extended lobes.[5] The working model to explain this hypothesizes that this PN is composed of a giant companion that caused a central dense gas region to form, and a white dwarf that provides ionizing photons for the PN.[5]
Mz 3 is often referred to as the Ant Nebula because it resembles the head and thorax of a garden-variety ant.
Characteristics[edit]
Mz 3 is radially expanding at a rate of about 50 km/s and has its polar axis oriented at an angle of around 30° from the plane of the sky (Lopez & Meaburn 1983; Meaburn & Walsh 1985). It is sometimes compared to the more extensively studied Butterfly Nebula (M 2-9), and it is quite likely that both have a similar evolutionary history. They both have point-like bright nuclei, are narrow-waisted bipolar nebulae, and share surprisingly similar spatially dependent spectra. Because of their similarity, their differences are noteworthy. Their greatest difference is probably in their near infrared emissions. Mz 3 has no trace of molecular hydrogen emission, whereas the M 2-9 has prominent H2 emission lines in the near-IR. The lack of H2 emissions from Mz 3 is unusual given the strong correlation between such emissions and bipolar structures of PN. Additionally, the polar lobes of Mz 3 are more mottled and rounded as compared to M 2-9. Finally, Mz 3 is not known to evidence temporal variability in its polar lobes as is found in M 2-9 (Doyle et al. 2000). (Smith 2003)
The Herschel Space Observatory has detected laser light emissions from the nebula -- specifically, hydrogen recombination line laser emissions. This confirms the presence of a white dwarf with a binary companion at the heart of the nebula.[7]
Chakram[edit]
Of the morphological features of Mz 3, one of the most unusual and odd is the chakram (first noticed in 2004), a faint, large, limb brightened ellipse that appears to have its center on the PN's nucleus. While the plane of the ellipse is near the other feature's shared reflection symmetry plane, it is definitely offset. This structure's kinematics are the only such ones known among studied PN. Unlike all the other Mz 3 structures, there is no increase of velocity as the radial offset from the nucleus increases. Consequently, this must not be a simple equatorial flow despite the fact that its motion appears to be strictly radial (that is, there is no indication of rotation which would suggest that this feature is dynamically stable). All the kinematic properties of the ellipse are symmetric and very ordered relative to the nucleus, consistent with all the other Mz 3 features. Therefore, the ellipse must be historically linked to the evolution of the central star. (Santander-García et al. 2004)
The Ant Nebula is 8,000 light years away from Earth and it has a magnitude of 13.8
History[edit]
Mz 3 was discovered by Donald Howard Menzel in 1922.[2]Menzel 1922
It was studied on July 20, 1997 by astronomersBruce Balick (University of Washington) and Vincent Icke [nl] (Leiden University) on observations done with the Hubble Space Telescope. The telescope was later used on June 30, 1998 by Raghvendra Sahai and John Trauger of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to picture the PN.
Notes[edit]
- ^ 8,000 ly distance × sin( >50″ diameter_angle / 2 ) = 1.0 ly. radius
- ^ 13.8[3] apparent magnitude – 5 * (log10(2,500 pc distance) – 1) = 1.8 absolute magnitude
- ^ Mz 3 has several components with varying degrees of collimation. It also has an unusual spectrum. Together, these entitle it to the nickname of 'The Chamber of Horrors' of planetary nebulae as given by Evans in 1959.[2][4]
- ^ abcdSIMBAD 2006
- ^ abcdSmith 2003
- ^ abGottlieb & Wallace 2005
- ^ abSantander-García et al. 2004
- ^ abcdZhang & Liu 2006
- ^ abGuerrero, Chu & Miranda 2004
- ^esa. 'A space ant fires its lasers'. European Space Agency.
References[edit]
- Gottlieb, Steve; Wallace, Kent (July 15, 2005), 'Results for Mz 3', Doug Snyder's Planetary Nebulae Web Site, Doug Snyder
- Guerrero, Martín A.; Chu, You-Hua; Miranda, Luis F. (2004), 'Menzel 3: a Multipolar Nebula in the Making', The Astronomical Journal, 128 (4): 1694–1704, arXiv:astro-ph/0407030, Bibcode:2004AJ....128.1694G, doi:10.1086/423909
- Menzel, D. N. (1922), 'Five new planetary nebulae', Harvard Bull., 177: 0, Bibcode:1922BHarO.777....0M
- Santander-García, M.; Corradi, R. L. M.; Balick, B.; Mampaso, A. (2004), 'Menzel 3: Dissecting the ant', Astronomy and Astrophysics, 426 (1): 185–194, arXiv:astro-ph/0406551, Bibcode:2004A&A...426..185S, doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20041147
- SIMBAD (December 22, 2006), Results for PN Mz 3, SIMBAD, Centre de Données Astronomiques de Strasbourg
- Smith, Nathan (2003), 'Spatial distribution of near-infrared and optical emission properties in the bipolar nebula Menzel 3', Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 342 (2): 383–398, Bibcode:2003MNRAS.342..383S, doi:10.1046/j.1365-8711.2003.06557.x
- Zhang, Y.; Liu, X.-W. (2006), Ian F. Corbett. (ed.), 'The Fe/Ni ratio in the Ant Nebula Mz 3', Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, Planetary Nebulae in our Galaxy and Beyond, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, Symposium #234, Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press, 2 (S234): 547–548, arXiv:astro-ph/0605180, Bibcode:2006IAUS..234..547Z, doi:10.1017/S1743921306004170
External links[edit]
- Media related to Ant Nebula at Wikimedia Commons
- STScI. Astro-Entomology? Ant-like Space Structure Previews Death of Our Sun. Press release: Space Telescope Science Institute. February 1, 2001.
Coordinates: 16h 17m 13.35s, −51° 59′ 10.4″
The Orion Nebula
The Orion Nebula is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky, and is visible to the naked eye. This magnitude 4 interstellar cloud of ionized atomic hydrogen contains a young open cluster of four primary stars known as the Trapezium.
The M42 nebula is part of a much larger nebula system known as the Orion Molecular Complex, which extends throughout the Orion constellation including objects such as the Horsehead Nebula, M78, and Barnard’s Loop.
The mighty Orion Nebula is arguably the most spectacular deep sky object in the night sky. I sincerely hope that you have the privilege of observing M42 (Messier 42) through a telescope at some point during your life. You will never forget it.
In terms of astrophotography, it is one of the most gratifying deep sky objects you could ever photograph through a telescope. The rich glowing emission gas and reflected starlight of the Orion Nebula embody the breathtaking beauty of our Universe.
The Orion Nebula and Horsehead Nebula region photographed in a single frame (Raptor 61).
The Orion Nebula is so bright, that it is possible to observe it with the naked eye. With an apparent magnitude of +4, this glowing emission nebula/reflection nebula can even be enjoyed from locations with moderate light pollution.
You’ll find Messier 42 in the “Sword” of the Orion constellation, which are the 3 stars located south of Orion’s Belt. It may look like just another “star” at first, but a closer look (even without the aid of binoculars) will reveal a fuzzy patch.
This diffuse nebula is estimated to be about 24 light-years across and is the closest region of active star formation to Earth. Over the years, I have photographed Orion using countless cameras, telescopes, and camera lenses. Since 2010, I have dedicated some time to photograph the Orion Nebula (and Constellation) when the Hunter returns in the fall.
Astrophotography Images I’ve captured over the years of the Orion Nebula
Orion Nebula Details:
- Object Type: Reflection Nebula/Emission Nebula
- Constellation: Orion
- Distance: 1,344 light-years
- Apparent magnitude: +4.0
- Apparent dimensions: 65×60 arcmins
- Designations: NGC 1976, M42
How to Find the Orion Nebula
Orion is one of the easiest constellations to identify in the night sky. “The Hunter” formation of stars is unmistakable, even from the city. Orion’s Belt is the most striking feature of the formation, 3 bright stars in a row that create an imperfect line. The intensely red star at the upper left of Orion should also stand out. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant, and one of the largest stars visible to the naked eye.
On the bottom right of this star formation, is yet another extremely bright star, but this one shines blue-white. Rigel is the brightest star in the Orion constellation, and approximately 40,000 times brighter than our sun. The star factory affectionately known as the Orion Nebula can be found North of Rigel, in Orion’s Sword. Have a look at the star chart below for reference.
Star Map showing the Location of the Orion Nebula – FreeStarCharts.com
The seven primary stars that make up the distinctive hourglass-shaped asterism of Orion the Hunter are Rigel, Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Saiph, Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka. Nearby Canis Major is said to be Orion’s faithful dog. The brightest star in Earth’s night sky, Sirius, represents the nose of the dog.
Through a Telescope or Binoculars
If you’re lucky enough to own a telescope, aim it below the 3 belt stars of Orion towards his sword. Use your telescope’s finder scope to identify the fuzzy patch that sits between the three stars of Orion’s sword, and then hop back on the eyepiece for a wondrous sight. With enough aperture and good seeing, you should be able to spot out the Trapezium near the core of Orion. Look for a tightly packed collection of 4 stars.
Unlike many of the faint deep sky nebulae in the night sky, the bright Orion Nebula offers an impressive view for backyard stargazers in the city. I often take a look at M42 using a pair of 15 x 75 binoculars. I highly suggest observing Orion this way if you haven’t before!
The graphic below shows two astrophotography examples of the Orion Nebula captured using a DSLR camera. The amount of overall exposure time and the types of filters that were used can change the type of image you create dramatically. In the world of astrophotography, the more signal (light) you can collect, the better.
An equatorial tracking mount and a telescope (or telephoto lens) are required for a deep view of the Orion Nebula, but even short untracked shot will begin to show color. For tips on how you can begin to enjoy astrophotography with an entry-level camera right away, see: 7 Astrophotography Tips and Camera Settings.
A Perfect Beginner Target
This celestial masterpiece is the perfect target for beginners to try using a DSLR camera and telescope. The bright, impressive details are quite evident in short, unguided exposures. As you learn how to better capture and process your astrophotography images, your image of M42 will become more and more beautiful.
My first images of the Orion Nebula did not look like the version below. I had to better learn the art of capturing and processing astrophotography images, and it took time.
My early photo of the Orion Nebula next to a more recent version
Using the right camera filter can impact the success of your image. From my Bortle Class 8 backyard, I rely on light pollution filters to help me capture natural-looking images under an urban sky.
For example, the image on the right was captured using a small refractor telescope and a stock DSLR camera. A broadband light pollution filter (Optolong L-Pro) was used to reduce the glow of my city sky while allowing the natural colors of this object and stars to shine through.
The image on the left includes narrowband hydrogen-alpha data, using a specialized filter. The original true-color data was combined with greyscale images shot using a 12nm Ha filter to produce a hybrid image that shows off the intense glowing hydrogen gas in the Orion Nebula and surrounding area.
Amateur photographers will often include the Running Man Nebula (NGC 1977) in the image as I have done in the past. For reference, I feel that a focal length of 400-600mm will offer the most impactful field of view for a large nebula like Messier 42.
Using a free plate-solving tool like Astrometry.net is a great way to show you all of the annotated objects inside an astrophotography image of the Orion Nebula. The primary cataloged objects in my image of the Orion Nebula included M42, M43, NGC 1977, NGC 1980, and NGC 1981.
Camera Settings and Advice
A typical imaging session on M42 and the surrounding area will involve photographing several long exposure images that can later be registered and stacked to produce a final image with a healthy signal-to-noise ratio. I use a free software called DeepSkyStacker to pre-process all of my astrophotgraphy images.
Here are some recommended DSLR camera settings for the Orion Nebula through a telescope on a tracking mount:
- Mode: Manual (Bulb)
- ISO: 800-1600
- Exposure: 2-3 Minutes
- White Balance: Daylight
My view of Orion from a city backyard
If you are using a camera lens, set the lens’ f-ratio low (F/4 or below). The sharpness of the stars in your image will vary lens by lens, but in general, you want the lens to gather as much light as possible in a single shot. Fast lenses such as F/1.8 may benefit from stopping down to F/2.8 or F/3.2 for easier focus and a sharper image.
The bright core of the Orion Nebula may clip the highlight data in your image in exposures as short as 15-seconds. To create images of the Orion Nebula with a high dynamic range (HDR), photographers often capture short exposures of 5-10 seconds to capture the fine details near the Trapezium. These details can then be blended into the long exposure shots for a dramatic image.
Image Processing
Image processing is a completely different aspect of astrophotography from image acquisition. The Orion Nebula is an excellent test subject to practice your image processing skills on. For a detailed step-by-step image processing tutorial, you can follow along with the steps I take in Adobe Photoshop in the following post:
I have also created another tutorial that explains how to fix the bight core of Orion in Adobe Photoshop. To accomplish this, you can blend in a photo of the Orion Nebula captured using a shorter exposure length. By blending a shorter exposure image of the bright core, you can create an HDR version of Orion with more detail overall.
Which telescope to use?
The size of the Orion Nebula is well suited for many focal lengths, be it a telephoto lens or astrophotography telescope. The wide field of view offered by a compact refractor telescope will allow you to capture the entire M42 nebula, along with M43, NGC 1977 and many more interesting cataloged objects in this area.
Nebula 3 Facts
For an example of the types of telescopes I have used to photograph M42 from my backyard, have a look at my top 5 choices for beginners.
A mid-range telescope like the Explore Scientific ED102 refractor is a superb choice for deep sky imaging. This telescope is responsible for many of the images in my personal photo gallery. An apochromatic refractor offers many advantages when photographing a target like M42 such as color correction, contrast, and clarity.
My Best Image
As with all of my astrophotos, it is hard for me to label a version of the image a “final”, as they are all a never-ending work-in-progress. However, if you want to share your photos with the world you must make a decision on a version you are happy with – no matter what stage it’s at. For all of my work on the Orion Nebula, the version below is probably my best attempt thus far:
The total integrated exposure time for this image was 2 Hours and 51 minutes. 57 separate exposures @ ISO 800 were combined using DeepSkyStacker to create a high-resolution .TIF file for processing. The stacked image was processed in Adobe Photoshop CC 2017.
Several shorter exposure sets were stacked separately and blended into the final image using layer masks. This is a common image processing strategy to use when “taming” the core of a bright nebula or galaxy.
By integrating data acquired using a clip-in DSLR Ha filter, I was able to add more of the faint nebulosity that surrounds M42. The broadband color images were combined with narrowband Ha data to produce an HaRGB composite.
(To learn more about this image-processing technique, have a look at my tutorial on HaRGB processing with Photoshop)
Video
In the video, I collect light frames on this deep-sky object using a camera and telescope from my backyard. A typical imaging session on M42 involves shooting anywhere between 30-100 images on a single night.
Click here for a current list of the astrophotography equipment I use in the backyard.
Wide Angle Camera Lens
In a post I made about using a camera lens for astrophotography, I collected light on Messier 42 and the surrounding area. This included interesting deep-sky objects like the Horsehead Nebula, Flame Nebula and Barnard’s Loop.
Even at this focal length (105mm), the Orion Nebula is an incredible sight. The photo below was captured using a Canon Rebel DSLR on an iOptron SkyTracker Pro camera mount.
Several exposures in true-color RGB were stacked together to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the final image. Narrowband H-Alpha data was also added to bring increase the intense glowing gas from these nebulae even more.
When to See it
From the Northern Hemisphere, Orion is due South and highest in the night sky at about midnight in the month of December. As the winter months pass, Orion will rise about 2 hours earlier each month. January and February are great months for adding the Orion nebula to your astrophotography target list.
Vibrant bright blues and pinks are revealed through long exposure photography and create a masterpiece of interstellar gas and dust.
The Orion Nebula was the first deep sky object I ever witnessed in color through photography. I used a point and shoot digital camera to image through the eyepiece of my Orion Skyquest Dobsonian back in 2010.
The result was a blurry smudge of purple light, and that was enough to spark my interest to level it’s at today. My early experiences photographing the Orion Nebula were the catalyst for a future lifelong obsession with astrophotography, and the night sky itself.
Nebula 30x Vs 100x
Through binoculars, a camera lens, or a telescope – the glowing molecular cloud known as the Orion Nebula never dissapoints.