Hubble's Variable Nebula

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Photographer:

Steve Pastor

Location of Photo:

Mayhill, New Mexico

Date/Time of photo:

6,17 Dec 2015 and 3 Jan 2016

Equipment:

12.5” f/9 RCOS telescope and SBIG STF8300c camera (OAG with ST-i) on a Paramount ME

Description:

Hubble's Variable Nebula (NGC 2261) is a small 2 x 4 arcminute nebula found in the constellation Monoceros. One suggestion proposed for the observed variability is due to dust clouds near R Monocerotis periodically changing the nebula's illumination. The image was a total of 6 hr 20 min (19 x 1200 sec lights @-15 degrees C; 30 darks; 128 bias; 128 flats)