LDN 66 and Neighbors

by Yungshih Lee

Objects in field: 39 Oph A, 39 Oph B, 42 Oph), 44 Oph, 51 Oph, The star 38 Oph, The star b Oph, The star c Oph, The star Garafsa (θ Oph, The star ο Oph A, The star ο Oph B

Equipment: William Optics Redcat 71 WIFD, ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Integration: 7h 13m

The Snake Nebula (officially cataloged as Barnard 72 and often associated with the larger dark cloud complex LDN 66 ) is one of the most visually striking and recognizable dark nebulae in the night sky. Located in the constellation Ophiuchus (the Serpent Bearer), it is a classic example of an absorption nebula —a dense cloud of interstellar dust that is so thick it completely blocks the light…