IC 2944, the Running Chicken nebula
Constellation: Centaurus
IC 2944 is an open cluster with an associated emission nebula in the constellation of Centaurus. It features Bok globules (relatively small dark nebulae), which are frequently a site of active star formation. However no evidence for star formation was found in the globules in IC 2944. The nebulae is 6’500 Ly from earth. Link to interactive sky chart.
In this wider field of view one can see IC 2944 and IC 2948, as well as the fainter IC 2872 towards the west. IC 2948 is the brightest emission and reflection nebulae towards the southeast, while IC 2944 is the cluster of stars and surrounding nebulosity stretching towards λ Centauri, which is the brightest star in the middle of the image. λ Centauri lies just outside IC 2944. One can also see the planetary nebula PN G294.9-00.6 (upper left corner).
Dates:
Image 1:
This is derived from the outstanding data taken by Martin Pugh during the month of March 2023 (Martin’s website: Remote Astrophotography with Martin Pugh (martinpughastrophotography.space).
His telescope is located in Chile (Observatory: El Sauce).
Colour palette is SHO.
Image 2:
Wider field of view. Data acquired remotely in May 2023 using Martin’s equipment.
His telescope is located in Australia (Observatory: Heaven’s second mirror, NSW).
Colour palette is SHO.
Telescope & Mount:
Image 1: Planewave CDK24 (F6.5) on a Planewave L600 mount.
Image 2: SharpStar 140mm (F4.8) on a Software Bisque Paramount ME II mount.
Imaging:
Image 1:
Camera: Moravian G3-61000 (bin 2×2)
Data:
Nebula:
Astrodon Ha: 22x900s
Astrodon O3: 21x900s
Astrodon S2: 25x900s
Stars:
Astrodon R: 8x180s
Astrodon G: 10x180s
Astrodon B: 10x180s
Total integration time: 18h 24′
Image 2:
Camera: SBIG STXL16200, FW8G
Data:
Nebula:
Antlia Ha: 25x600s
Antlia O3: 25x600s
Antlia S2: 26x600s
Stars:
Antlia R: 15x60s
Antlia G: 15x60s
Antlia B: 15x60s
Total integration time: 13h 25′