Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Dedicated to the Art of AStrophotography
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Visitors
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Blue Ridge Observatory
Dedicated to the Art of Astrophotography
The Blue Ridge Observatory is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western
North Carolina. The skies here are pretty dark and the Milky Way can be seen from
horizon to horizon making it very desirable for CCD telescope imaging. The nearest large
city that produces light pollution is ~100 miles away. Elevation here is 3000 ft. above
sea level making for beautiful daytime views. The roof is motorized and rolls completely
off onto the gantry behind the observatory. My observatory is now automated and
autonomous when needed. Prism 10 Advanced software has made this all possible.
Here in the mountains we have a variety of wildlife. At night you can hear the deer,
bobcats, and coyotes. There are deer on the property day and night but occasionally I
worry about a black bear wandering up to the observatory when in use. We have had sightings
here but so far the black bears have only been seen in the daytime.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Nebulae
NCG 2024 Flame Nebula
Horsehead & Flame Nebula
Rosette Nebula
M42 Orion Nebula with Trapezium
M20 & M21 - Trifid Nebula
M16 - Eagle Nebula @F8
M8 - Lagoon Nebula in HA
M8 - Lagoon Nebula
M45 - Pleiades
IC1396 - Elephant Trunk Nebula
M20 - Trifid Nebula
Cone Nebula/Christmas Tree Cluster
Hoesehead Nebula
IC434 - Horsehead
M78 - Reflection Nebula
M27 - Dumbbell Nebula
M57 - Ring Nebula
NGC7293 - Helx Nebula
NGC6992 - Eastern Veil
NGC6960 Western Veil Nebula
NGC6888 Crescent Nebula
NGC7635 Bubble Nebula
NGC7635 HA Bubble Nebula
NGC281 - Pacman Nebula
M1 - Crab Nebula
Orion w/ Running Man
Rosette Nebula Refractor 80mm
IC405 Flaming Star
NGC7380 Wizard Nebula HA
NGC7380 Wizard Nebula
IC1795 Fish Head Nebula
M42 Closeup - Trapezium
M16 Narrowband HSO
IC1396 Narrowband SHO
Helix Nebula Ha Only
NGC2359 Thor’s Helmet
HOO Narrowband
IC443 Jelly Fish Nebula
SHO Narrowband
LDN-43
The Cosmic Bat Nebula
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M42 - The Orion Nebula
The Orion Nebula is located about 1,344 light years from earth. It is a diffuse nebula
situated in our Milky Way Glaxay just South of Orion’s belt. Orion is one of the brightest
nebula in the night sky and can been seen visually even in night skies that have some
light pollution. The nebula is so large it expands 24 light years across.
The center of Orion, The Trapezium), is where new stars are being born.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC2024 - Flame Nebula
The Flame Nebula is located just to the left of Alnitak which is the 1st star of the left in
Orion’s belt. The Flame Nebula is an emission nebula. The star Alnitak is shinning its
ultraviolet light into the clouds of hydrogen gas. This illuminates the clouds through
ionization. Additional dark gas and dark dust lanes lie in front of the nebula giving it
the dark network of glowing gas throughout the nebula.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Horsehead & Flame Nebula
The Horsehead Nebula is a ‘Dark Nebula’ located in the Orion constellaiton.
Sitting just South of Alnitak, the Horsehead is a beautiful site to see resembling
a horses head. The Flame nebula is to the left of Alnitak. The deep red colors seen
in the image are ionized hydrogen-alpha gases. Most of this HA is behind the horsehead
allowing us to see the dark gases making up the horsehead.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
The Rosette Nebula
The Rosette Nebula is a large spherical H II region in a giant molecular cloud located in Monoceros.
The open cluster of stars NGC2244 can be seen in the middle of the nebual. These stars were formed
from the nebulas matter! The nebula is very dense in hydorgem alpha which is is displayed in the
deep reds of color. Located 5,200 light years from earth, this nebula measure 130 light years in
diameter! It has an apparent magnitude of 9.0.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M20 & M21 Trifid Nebula
The Trifid Nebula is catalogued as M20. M21 (Star Cluster) is also in the image at the top center right.
The Trifid is a dense H II region located in Sagittarius. Its name means “three lobes”. It has Emission,
Dark, and Reflection nebulas that make up the entire nebula. The Trifid is a star forming area for new
suns. Located 4,100 light years from earth and is a magnitude 6.3. At a really dark sight the Trifid can
be seen with the naked eye. Dense clouds, dust and gas create a stellar nursery for new suns.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M16 - Eagle Nebula ‘Pillars of Creation’
The Eagle Nebula - M16, also known as the ‘Star Queen Nebula and Spire’, is located 5,700 light years
from earth at a magnitude of 6.0. It has a highly concentration of HA as seen in the dark reds in the
image. The Pillars of Creation are dead center in the image and produce many new star formations.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M16 - Eagle Nebula ‘Narrowband ‘HOS’
The Eagle Nebula - M16, also known as the ‘Star Queen Nebula and Spire’, is located 5,700 light years
from earth at a magnitude of 6.0. It has a highly concentration of HA as seen in the dark reds in the
image. The Pillars of Creation are dead center in the image and produce many new star formations.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M8 - The Lagoon Nebula HA Only
The Lagoon Nebula (M8), is located 4,100 lighty years from earth in Sagittarius. It’s apparent
magnitude is 6.0. This nebula is enormous measuring 110 light years by 50 light years. The Lagoon
is a giant stellar cloud and classified as an emission nebula with massive amounts of HA. It can
be seen by the naked eye at a dark sky location. The above image was taken in hydrogen alpha only.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2022 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M8 - The Lagoon Nebula
The Lagoon Nebula (M8), is located 4,100 lighty years from earth in Sagittarius. It’s apparent magnitude
is 6.0. This nebula is enormous measuring 110 light years by 50 light years. The Lagoon is a giant stellar cloud
and classified as an emission nebula with massive amounts of HA. It can be seen by the naked eye at a dark
sky location. The above image was taken in hydrogen alpha and color combined @ F2 wide field view.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M45 - Pleiades ‘The Seven Sisters’
Pleiades (M45) is located 444 light years from earth at a magnitude of 1.6. This is a very bright open
cluster in Tarus. This cluster can be seen by the naked eye even in light pollutted areas. These stars
are very hot B-type stars. The cluster is dominated by very hot blue and luminous stars that formed
about 100million years ago. It is believed that a dust cloud (reflection nebula) is currently in the path
of these stars and is being illuminated through ionization.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
IC1396 - The Elephant Trunk Nebula LRGB
The Elephant's Trunk Nebula is a concentration of interstellar gas and dust within the much
larger ionized gas region IC 1396 located in the constellation Cepheus about 2,400 light years
away from Earth. The bright rim is the surface of the dense cloud that is being illuminated and
ionized by a very bright, massive star
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M20 - Trifid Nebula
Its name means 'divided into three lobes'. The object is a combination of an open cluster of
stars, an emission nebula (the lower, red portion), a reflection nebula (the upper, blue portion)
and a dark nebula (the apparent 'gaps' within the emission nebula that cause the trifurcated
appearence. Located about 4,100 ly from earth the Trifid Nebula has a magnitude of 6.3.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Cone Nebula / Christmas Tree Cluster
The Cone Nebula is an H II region in the constellation of Monoceros. The Cone Nebula forms
part of the nebulosity surrounding the Christmas Tree Cluster. The cone's shape comes from a
dark absorption nebula consisting of cold molecular hydrogen and dust in front of a faint
emission nebula containing hydrogen ionized by S Monocerotis . It located 2,700 ly fom earth.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Barnard 33 - Horsehead Nebula
The horsehead nebula is a small dark nebula in the constellation Orion.[2] The nebula is located
just to the south of Alnitak, the easternmost star of Orion's Belt, and is part of the much larger
Orion Molecular Cloud Complex. It is located 1,400 ly from earth. The dark cloud of dust and gas
is a region in the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex where star formation is taking place.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M42 - Trapezium Cluster
The Trapezium Cluster, is a tight open cluster of stars in the heart of the Orion Nebula, in the
constellation of Orion. The Trapezium is a relatively young cluster that has formed directly out
of the parent nebula. It has an apparent magnitude of 4.0 and is located 1,344 ly from earth.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M78- Reflection Nebula
M78 is a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. M78 is the brightest diffuse reflection
nebula of a group of nebulae that includes NGC 2064, NGC 2067 and NGC 207. It has an
apparent magnitude of 8.3 and is located 1,350 ly from earth.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M27- Dumbbell Nebula
M27 is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1227 light-years
from earth. It has an apparent magnitude of 7.5. Its central region is marked by a pattern of dark
and bright cusped knots and their associated dark tails.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M57- Ring Nebula
M57 is a planetary nebula in the northern constellation of Lyra. Messier 57 is located south of the bright
star Vega, which forms the northwestern vertex of the Summer Triangle asterism. M27 was formed when a
shell of ionized gas is expelled into the surrounding interstellar medium by a star at in the last stages of its
evolution before becoming a white dwarf. Its magnitude is 8.8 and is located 2,567 ly from earth.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC7293 - The Helix Nebula
NGC7293 (Helix Nebula or Eye of God) is an example of a planetary nebula, formed by an intermediate
to low-mass star which sheds its outer layers near the end of its evolution. This object is one of the closest to
the Earth of all the bright planetary nebulae only being 655 ly from earth. Its apparent magnitude is 7.6.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC6992 Eastern Veil Nebula
NGC6992 Eastern Veil Nebula is a cloud of heated and ionized gas and dust in the constellation
Cygnus. It has an apparent magnitude of 7.0 and is located 1,470 ly from earth. The source supernova
was a star 20 times more massive than our Sun, which exploded around 8,000 years ago. The
analysis of the emissions from the nebula indicate the presence of oxygen, sulfur, and hydrogen.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC6960 Western Veil Nebula “The Witch’s Broom)
NGC6960 Western Veil Nebula (Witch’s Broom) is a cloud of heated and ionized gas and dust in the
constellation Cygnus. It has an apparent magnitude of 7.0 and is located 1,470 ly from earth. The source
supernova was a star 20 times more massive than our Sun, which exploded around 8,000 years ago. The
analysis of the emissions from the nebula indicate the presence of oxygen, sulfur, and hydrogen.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC6888 The Crescent Nebula
NGC6888 is an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus, about 5000 light-years away from Earth. It
has an apparent magnitude of 7.4 It is formed by the fast stellar wind from the Wolf-Rayet star WR 136
colliding with and energizing the slower moving wind ejected by the star when it became a red giant star.
The result of the collision is a shell and two shock waves, one moving outward and one moving inward.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC7635 Bubble Nebula
NGC7635 also known as the Bubble Nebula, is an H II region emission nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia.
It has an apparent magnitude of 10.0 and is located 11,000 ly from earth. The "bubble" is created by the stellar
wind from a massive hot, 8.7 magnitude young central star. The nebula is near a giant molecular cloud which
contains the expansion of the bubble nebula while itself being excited by the hot central star, causing it to glow.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC7635 The Bubble Nebula (HA only)
NGC7635 also known as the Bubble Nebula, is an H II region emission nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia.
It has an apparent magnitude of 10.0 and is located 11,000 ly from earth. The "bubble" is created by the stellar
wind from a massive hot, 8.7 magnitude young central star. This image is of Hydrogen Alpha only!
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC281 The PACMAN Nebula
NGC 281, s a bright emission nebula and part of an H II region in the northern constellation of Cassiopeia
and is part of the Milky Way's Perseus Spiral Arm. It is located at a distance of 9,500 ly from earth. Its
magnitude is ~ 7.4. Long-exposure photography is necessary to reveal more stars and its reddish nebulosity,
or more preferably using narrowband H-alpha and/or OII) filters (either, where most details are resolved.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M1 The Crab Nebula
M1, is a supernova remnant in the constellation of Taurus. At an apparent magnitude of 8.4, comparable to
that of Saturn's moon Titan, it is not visible to the naked eye but can be made out using binoculars under
favourable conditions. The nebula lies in the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way galaxy, at a distance of about
(6,500 ly) from Earth. At the center of the nebula lies the Crab Pulsar, 28–30 kilometres (17–19 mi) across
with a spin rate of 30.2 times per second
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M42 The Orion w/ Running Man
M42, The Orion Nebula and The Running Man are located about 1,344 light years from earth. It is a
diffuse nebula situated in our Milky Way Glaxay just South of Orion’s belt. Orion is one of the
brightest nebula in the night sky. Note that the “Running Man” is in the upper left corner. This
is known as a reflection nebula. The outline of the Running Man can not be seen in a telescope.
But Astro-Photography makes it possible to capture all of its details close up.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
The Rosette Nebula (80mm Refractor)
The Rosette Nebula is a large spherical H II region in a giant molecular cloud located in Monoceros.
The open cluster of stars NGC2244 can be seen in the middle of the nebual. These stars were formed
from the nebulas matter! The nebula is very dense in hydorgem alpha which is is displayed in the
deep reds of color. Located 5,200 light years from earth, this nebula measure 130 light years in
diameter! It has an apparent magnitude of 9.0.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
IC405- The Flaming Star Nebula
The Flaming Star Nebula is an emission and reflection nebula in the constellation Auriga, surrounding
the bluish star AE Aurigae. It surrounds the irregular variable star AE Aurigae and is located near the
emission nebula IC 410, the open clusters M38 and M36The nebula measures approximately 37.0' x 19.0',
and lies about 1,500 light-years away from Earth. It is believed that the proper motion of the central
star can be traced back to the Orion's Belt area.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC7380 - The Wizard Nebula in HA
NGC 7380 (also known as the Wizard Nebula) is an open cluster located in Cephus & discovered by Caroline
Herschel in 1787. This reasonably large nebula is located in Cepheus. It is extremely difficult to observe visually,
usually requiring very dark skies and an O-III filter. Located 7200 light years away, the Wizard nebula, surrounds
developing open star cluster NGC 7380. Visually, the interplay of stars, gas, and dust has created a shape that
appears to some like a fictional medieval sorcerer.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC7380 - The Wizard Nebula in Color
NGC 7380 (also known as the Wizard Nebula) is an open cluster located in Cephus & discovered by Caroline
Herschel in 1787. This reasonably large nebula is located in Cepheus. It is extremely difficult to observe visually,
usually requiring very dark skies and an O-III filter. Located 7200 light years away, the Wizard nebula, surrounds
developing open star cluster NGC 7380. Visually, the interplay of stars, gas, and dust has created a shape that
appears to some like a fictional medieval sorcerer.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
IC1795- The Fish Head Nebula
IC1795, (also known as the Fish Head Nebula, is found in the the constellation Cassiopeia. It is an extention of
the heart nebula. IC1795 is a huge star forming system of gas and dust located along the Perseus spiral arm of
our Milky Way galaxy. UV radiation excites the surrounding gas and causes it shine much the same way as
a neon light emits its colorful hues. The nebula is located in the constellation Cassiopeia approximately 6000
light-years from the Earth and has a magnitude of 7.0, a fairly bright object.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
IC434- The Horse Head Nebula
IC 434 is a bright emission nebula in the constellation Orion. It was discovered on February 1, 1786 by William
Herschel. The Horsehead Nebula is a dark nebula silhouetted against it. It is located 1,500 light years from earth
with a magnitude of 7.3. The nebula is located just to the south of Alnitak, the easternmost star of Orion's Belt,
and is part of the much larger Orion Molecular Cloud Complex. It appears within the southern region of the
dense dust cloud known as Lynds 1630, along the edge of the much larger, active star-forming H II region
called IC 434. Colour images reveal a deep-red colour that originates from ionised hydrogen gas (Hα).
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
IC1396 Elephant Trunk Nebula ‘SHO’ Narrowband
SHO Hubble palette was used for stacking after capturuing 2 hours each of SII, Ha, OIII 3nm narrowband.
The Elephant's Trunk Nebula is a concentration of interstellar gas and dust within the much larger
ionized gas region IC 1396 located in the constellation Cepheus about 2,400 light years away from Earth.
The bright rim is the surface of the dense cloud that is being illuminated & ionized by a very bright, massive star.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC7293 Helix Nebula Ha Narrowband Only
NGC7293 (Helix Nebula or Eye of God) is an example of a planetary nebula, formed by an intermediate
to low-mass star which sheds its outer layers near the end of its evolution. This object is one of the closest to
the Earth of all the bright planetary nebulae only being 655 ly from earth. Its apparent magnitude is 7.6.
This image was captured using a Narrowband 3nm Ha filter for 4 hours.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC2359 Thor’s Helmet HOO Narrowband
NGC2359 (also known as Thor's Helmet) is an emission nebula in the constellation Canis Major.
The central star is the Wolf-Rayet star WR7, an extremely hot star thought to be in a brief pre-supernova stage
of evolution. The nebula has an overall bubble shape, but with complex filamentary structures. The nebula
contains several hundred solar masses of ionised material, plus several thousand more of unionised gas. It is
largely interstellar material swept up by winds from the central star, although some material does appear to be
enriched with the products of fusion and is likely to come directly from the star. Thor’s Helmet is located about
15,000 light years from earth at a magnitude 0f 11.45.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
IC443 Jelly Fish Nebula in SHO Narrowband
IC443, (also known as The Jelly Fish Nebula) is a galactic supernova remnant in the constellation Gemini.
Its distance is roughly 5,000 light years from Earth at a magnitude of 12.0. IC 443 is one of the
best-studied cases of supernova remnants interacting with surrounding molecular clouds. In the northeast,
where the brightest optical filaments are located, the SNR is interacting with a very different environment.
The forward shock has encountered a wall of neutral hydrogen (HI).
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
LDN-43 The Cosmic Bat Nebula
LDN-43, (also known as The Cosmic Bat Nebula) astonishing resembles a cosmic bat flying
amongst the stars on a dark Halloween night. Located about 1400 light years away in the constellation
Ophiuchus, this molecular cloud is dense enough to block light not only from background stars, but from wisps
of gas lit up. This 12-light year-long filament of gas and dust is actually a stellar nursery. Glowing with eerie light,
the bat is lit up from inside by dense gaseous knots that have just formed new young stars.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Galaxies
M31 - Andromeda Galaxy Mosaic
M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy
M101 - Pinwheel Galaxy
M104 - Sombrero Galaxy
M63 - Sunflower Galaxy
M96 - Spiral Galaxy
NGC253 - Scuplter Galaxy
M81 & M82 Galaxies
M33 - Triangulum
M81 Galaxy Closeup
NGC7479 Galaxy
Leo Triplet Group
NGC891 - Silver/Silver Galaxy
M31 - Andromeda HA Only
NGC7331 Spiral Galaxy
NGC3953 Galaxy
M74 - Phantom Galaxy
Abell 426 Deep Space Galaxies
M33 Triangulum w/o HA
NGC2403 Spiral Galaxy
M82 Cigar Galaxy
M31 Wide FOV Refractor
Virgo Galaxies M90 group
NGC4258 - M106 Spiral Galaxy
NGC3184 Spiral Galaxy
& Region 6 Billion LY
NGC4631 Whale Galaxy
M101 - Starburst Galaxy
NGC4725 Galaxy
Super Nova M101 Live
May 24, 2023
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M31- Andromeda Galaxy Mosaic
M31, known as the Andromeda Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy approximately (2.54 million light-years) from Earth,
and the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way. The galaxy's name stems from the area of the Earth's sky in
which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda. Its magnitude is 3.44 and can be seen by the naked eye on
moonless nights even from a moderate light pollutted area. The Andromeda Galaxy has a diameter of about
220,000 light-years roughly 1.5 times larger than our Milky Way and has ~ 1 trillion stars. The Andromeda
Galaxy was formed roughly 10 billion years ago from the collision and subsequent merger of smaller
protogalaxies. Over the past 2 billion years, star formation throughout Andromeda's disk is thought to have
decreased to the point of near-inactivity. There have been interactions with satellite galaxies like M32, M110,
or others that have already been absorbed by Andromeda Galaxy.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M31- Andromeda Galaxy HA Only
M31, known as the Andromeda Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy approximately (2.54 million light-years) from Earth,
and the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way. The galaxy's name stems from the area of the Earth's sky in
which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda. Its magnitude is 3.44 and can be seen by the naked eye on
moonless nights even from a moderate light pollutted area. The Andromeda Galaxy has a diameter of about
220,000 light-years roughly 1.5 times larger than our Milky Way and has ~ 1 trillion stars. The Andromeda
Galaxy was formed roughly 10 billion years ago from the collision and subsequent merger of smaller
protogalaxies. Over the past 2 billion years, star formation throughout Andromeda's disk is thought to have
decreased to the point of near-inactivity. There have been interactions with satellite galaxies like M32, M110,
or others that have already been absorbed by Andromeda Galaxy.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M101- Pinwheel Galaxy
M101, known as the Pinwheel galaxy, is a face-on spiral galaxy distanced 21 million light-years away from
Earth in the constellation Ursa Major. M101 is a large galaxy, with a diameter of 170,000 light-years. By
comparison, the Milky Way has a diameter of 258,000 light years. It has around a trillion stars, twice the
number in our Milky Way. It has a disk mass on the order of 100 billion solar masses, along with a small
central bulge of about 3 billion solar masses. M101 has a high population of H II regions, many of which are very
large and bright. H II regions usually accompany the enormous clouds of high density molecular hydrogen gas
contracting under their own gravitational force where stars form.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M104 - Sombrero Galaxy
M104, known as the Sombrero Galaxy, is a lenticular galaxy in the constellation Virgo (31.1 million light-years )
from Earth. The galaxy has a diameter of approximately (49,000 light-years), 30% the size of the Milky Way. It has
a bright nucleus, an unusually large central bulge, and a prominent dust lane in its inclined disk. The dark dust
lane and the bulge give this galaxy the appearance of a sombrero hat. The galaxy has an apparent magnitude of
+8.0, making it easily visible with amateur telescopes. Its large bulge, its central supermassive black hole, and its
dust lane all attract the attention of professional astronomers.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M100 - Starburst Galaxy
M100, Messier 100 (also known as NGC 4321) is a grand design intermediate spiral galaxy in the southern part
of the mildly northern Coma Berenices. It is one of the brightest and largest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster and is
approximately 55 million light-years from our galaxy. NGC 4323 and NGC 4328 are satellite galaxies of M100; the
former is connected with it by a bridge of luminous matter. Messier 100 is considered a starburst galaxy with the
strongest star formation activity concentrated in its center, within a ring – actually two tightly wound spiral
arms attached to a small nuclear bar.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy
M51, known as the Whirlpool, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic
nucleus. Found in the constellation Canes Venatici, and was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy.
Its distance is estimated to be 23 million light-years away from Earth. The galaxy and its companion, NGC 5195,
are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may be seen with binoculars. Long exposures
reveal a large nebula extending beyond the visible circular appearance. The spiral structure of the Whirlpool is
believed to be the result of the close interaction between it and its companion galaxy NGC 5195, which may
have passed through the main disk of M51 about 500 to 600 million years ago.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M63 - Sunflower Galaxy
M63, known as the Sunflower Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici. This
galaxy has a morphological classification of SAbc, indicating a spiral shape with no central bar feature and
moderate to loosely wound arms. M63 is an active galaxy with a LINER nucleus. This displays as an unresolved
nuclear source wrapped in a diffuse emission. The distance to M63, based upon the luminosity-distance
measurement is 29.3 million light-years. Its apparent magnitude is 9.3. In 1971, a supernova with a magnitude of
11.8 appeared in one of the arms of M63. The existence of a super massive black hole at the nucleus is uncertain.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M96 - Spiral Galaxy
M96, is an intermediate spiral galaxy about 31 million light-years away in the constellation Leo (the Lion). It is
categorized as a double-barred spiral galaxy with a small inner bulge through the core along with an outer bulge.
Variations in ultraviolet emission from the core suggest the presence of a supermassive black hole. Messier 96 is
about the same mass and size as the Milky Way. It is a very asymmetric galaxy; its dust and gas are unevenly
spread throughout its weak spiral arms, and its core is not exactly at the galactic center. Its arms are also
asymmetrical, thought to have been influenced by the gravitational pull of other galaxies.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC253 - Sculptor Galaxy
NGC253, also known as the Silver Coin or Silver Dollar Galaxy, NGC 253, is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the
constellation Sculptor. The Sculptor Galaxy is a starburst galaxy, which means that it is currently undergoing a
period of intense star formation. As one of the brightest galaxies in the sky, the Sculptor Galaxy can be seen
through binoculars and is near the star Beta Ceti. Located 11.4 million light years from earth, NGC253 has a
magnitude os 8.0. NGC 253's starburst has created several super star clusters on NGC 253's center.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M81 & M82 - Galaxies
M81 & M82 are a pair of galaxies in the constellation Ursa Major. They are also known as Bode’s and Cigar
galaxy respectively. The pair are located approximately 10 deg. northwest of the "Big Dipper" pointer star Dubhe
(Alpha Ursae Majoris). The apparent separation of the galaxies is 31 arc-minutes but at a distance of 12 million
light-years, their actual distances from each other is only 150,000 light years. They are the largest members of the
M81 Group, a physical association of of 34 galaxies. M81 on the left is a spiral galaxy and the M82 is a starburst.
Apparent magnitude is 6.9 for M81 (left) and 8.4 for M82 (right).
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M33 - Triangulum Galaxy
M33, The Triagulum Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy 2.73 million light-years from Earth in the constellation
Triangulum. The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies, behind the
Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. It is sometimes informally referred to as the "Pinwheel Galaxy". M33 has
a magnitude of 5.72 and has ~ 40 billion stars. Under exceptionally good viewing conditions with no light
pollution, the Triangulum Galaxy can be seen with the 20/20 vision naked eye.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M81 Closeup - Galaxy
M81 a galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major. It is are also known as Bode’s galaxy. It is located approximately
10 deg. northwest of the "Big Dipper" pointer star Dubhe (Alpha Ursae Majoris). It is one of the largest members
of the M81 Group, a physical association of of 34 galaxies. The galaxy lies at an approximate distance of
11.8 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 6.94.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC-7479 Spiral Galaxy
NGC 7479 (also known as Caldwell 44) is a barred spiral galaxy about 105 million light-years away in the
constellation Pegasus. NGC7479 has an apparent magnitude of 11.6. Polarization studies of this galaxy
indicate that it recently underwent a minor merger and that it is unique in the radio continuum, with arms
opening in a direction opposite to the optical arms. This feature, along with the asymmetrical arms of the
galaxy and the intense star formation activity are attributed to a merger with a smaller galaxy.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
The Leo Triplet
The Leo Triplet (also known as the M66 Group) is a small group of galaxies about 35 million light-years
away in the constellation Leo. This galaxy group consists of the spiral galaxies M65, M66, and NGC 3628. The
brightest member M66, also known as NGC 3627, is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the equatorial
constellation of Leo. M65 and M66 make a popular pair for observers, being separated by only 20 arc minutes.
Gravitational interaction from its past encounter with neighboring NGC 3628 has resulted in an extremely high
central mass concentration; a high molecular to atomic mass ratio; and a resolvednon-rotating clump of H I
material apparently removed from one of the spiral arms.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC-891 Silver Silver Galaxy
NGC 891 (also known as Caldwell 23 or Silver Sliver Galaxy) is an edge-on unbarred spiral galaxy about
30 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. The object is visible in small to moderate size
telescopes as a faint elongated smear of light with a dust lane visible in larger apertures. NGC 891 looks as the
Milky Way would look like when viewed edge-on and, in fact, both galaxies are considered very similar in terms
of luminosity and size. Recent high-resolution images of its dusty disk show unusual filamentary patterns.
These patterns are extending into the halo of the galaxy, away from its galactic disk supernova explosions
caused this interstellar dust to be thrown out of the galactic disk toward the halo.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC7331 Unbarred Spiral Galaxy
NGC 7331 (also known as Caldwell 30) is an unbarred spiral galaxy about 40 million light-years away in the
constellation Pegasus. NGC 7331 is the brightest member of the NGC 7331 Group of galaxies. The other
members of the group are the lenticular or unbarred spirals NGC 7335 and 7336, the barred spiral galaxy
NGC 7337 and the elliptical galaxy NGC 7340. These galaxies lie at distances of approximately 332, 365, 348 and
294 million light years, respectively. The galaxy is similar in size and structure to the Milky Way, and is
sometimes referred to as "the Milky Way's twin"
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC3953 Barred Spiral Galaxy
NGC 3953 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. The galaxy is known to exhibit
an inner ring structure that encircles the bar. Two supernovae have been identified within NGC 3953 the type
Ia supernova SN 2001dp and SN 2006bp.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M74 - Phantom Galaxy
Messier 74 (also known as NGC 628 and Phantom Galaxy) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pisces. It
is at a distance of about 32 million light-years away from Earth. The galaxy contains two clearly defined spiral
arms and is therefore used as an archetypal example of a grand design spiral galaxy. The galaxy's low surface
brightness makes it the most difficult Messier object for amateur astronomers to observe. Three supernovae
have been identified in M74: SN 2002ap, SN 2003gd, and SN 2013ej. Supernova 2013ej was noted for being as
bright as 10th magnitude when viewed from the surface of Earth. M74 is the brightest member of the M74
Group, a group of 5–7 galaxies that also includes the peculiar spiral galaxy NGC 660 and a few irregular galaxies.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Abel 426- Perseus Cluster
The Perseus cluster (Abell 426) is a cluster of galaxies in the constellation Perseus. It has a recession
speed of 5,366 km/s and a diameter of 863′. It is one of the most massive objects in the known universe,
containing thousands of galaxies immersed in a vast cloud of multimillion-degree gas.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M33 - Triangulum Galaxy (no HA)
M33, The Triagulum Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy 2.73 million light-years from Earth in the constellation
Triangulum. The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies, behind the
Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. It is sometimes informally referred to as the "Pinwheel Galaxy". M33 has
a magnitude of 5.72 and has ~ 40 billion stars. Under exceptionally good viewing conditions with no light
pollution, the Triangulum Galaxy can be seen with the 20/20 vision naked eye.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC-2430 Spiral Galaxy
NGC 2403 (also known as Caldwell 7) is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Camelopardalis.
It is an outlying member of the M81 Group and is approximately 8 million light-years distant. NGC 2403 can be
observed using 10×50 binoculars.[2] NGC 2404 is 2000 light-years in diameter, making it one of the largest
known H II regions. There have been two reported supernovae in the galaxy: SN 1954J, which attained a
magnitude of 16 at its brightest, and SN 2004dj. SN 2004dj was the nearest and brightest supernovae in the past
17 years. It remains the nearest and brightest supernova in 21st century.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M106 Spiral Galaxy
M106, is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. M106 is at a distance of about
22 to 25 million light-years away from Earth. M106 contains an active nucleus classified as a Type 2 Seyfert, and
the presence of a central supermassive black hole. M106 has a water vapor megamaser that is seen by the
evidences of dense and warm molecular gas. These water vapors give M106 its characteristic purple color.
It is one of the largest and brightest nearby galaxies, similar in size and luminosity to the Andromeda Galaxy.
The supermassive black hole at the core has a mass of (3.9±0.1)×107
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Virgo Galaxies Group
M89, an Elliptical galaxy, located in Virgo, is seen in the center of this image. The galaxy also features a
surrounding structure of gas and dust extending up to 150,000 light-years from the galaxy and jets of heated
particles that extend 100,000 light-years outwards. This indicates that it may have once been an active quasar or
radio galaxy. Other galaxies seen in this image are M90, IC3583, M58, NGC4551,NGC4550, NGC4531, NGC4473,
M87, and NGC4477 with several others.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M82 Cigar Galaxy
Messier 82 (also known as NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy or M82) is a starburst galaxy approximately 12 million
light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. A member of the M81 Group, it is about five times more
luminous than the whole Milky Way and has a center one hundred times more luminous than our galaxy's center.
The starburst activity is thought to have been triggered by interaction with neighboring galaxy M81. As the
closest starburst galaxy to Earth, M82 is the prototypical example of this galaxy type. SN 2014J, a type Ia
supernova, was discovered in the galaxy on 21 January 2014.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
M31 Andromeda Galaxy Wide FOV Refractor
M31, known as the Andromeda Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy approximately (2.54 million light-years) from Earth,
and the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way. The galaxy's name stems from the area of the Earth's sky in
which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda. Its magnitude is 3.44 and can be seen by the naked eye on
moonless nights even from a moderate light pollutted area. The Andromeda Galaxy has a diameter of about
220,000 light-years roughly 1.5 times larger than our Milky Way and has ~ 1 trillion stars. The Andromeda
Galaxy was formed roughly 10 billion years ago from the collision and subsequent merger of smaller
protogalaxies. Over the past 2 billion years, star formation throughout Andromeda's disk is thought to have
decreased to the point of near-inactivity. There have been interactions with satellite galaxies like M32, M110,
or others that have already been absorbed by Andromeda Galaxy.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC4631 The Whale Galaxy
NGC4631, known as the Whale Galaxy, is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. This
galaxy's slightly distorted wedge shape gives it the appearance of a herring or a whale, hence its nickname.
Because this nearby galaxy is seen edge-on from Earth, professional astronomers observe this galaxy to better
understand the gas and stars located outside the plane of the galaxy. NGC 4631 contains a central starburst,
which is a region of intense star formation. The strong star formation is evident in the emission from ionized
hydrogen and interstellar dust heated by the stars formed in the starburst. This galaxy is located about
30 million light years from earth at a magnitude of 9.8.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC4527 Galaxy
NGC4725 is an intermediate barred spiral galaxy with a prominent ring structure, located in the northern
constellation of Coma Berenices near the north galactic pole. This galaxy is strongly disturbed and is
interacting with neighboring spiral galaxy NGC 4747, with its spiral arms showing indications of warping.
The ring structure of the galaxy is a region of star formation. It is offset from the galactic center and displays
non-circular motion. It is suspected type 2 Seyfert galaxy with a supermassive black hole at the core.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Super Nova Live M101Galaxy
May 23, 2023
M101 The Pinwheel Galaxy Super Nova captured live here at my observatory!
Once in a life time capture! I inverted the images and converted them to black &
white to increase the clarity of the stars in the galaxy.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
NGC3184 Spiral Galaxy & Region
NGC3184 is a spiral galaxy approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major and at
a magnitude of 11.49. The blue color of its spiral arms comes mostly from relatively few bright young blue stars.
The bright stars that highlight the arms were created in huge density waves that circle the center. I imaged this
for 9 hrs Luminance and 1.5 hrs for each of RGB over 2 evenings.
Multiple other galaxies can be seen in this image from mag 11.5 to magnitude 18.5 and beyond!!
NGC 3184 - Magnitude 11.49 and 39.9 Million LY from earth
NGC 3179 - Magnitude 13.74 and 326 Million LY from earth
2MASX J10184824
- Magnitude 18.04 and 722 Million LY from earth
2MASX J10184307
- Magnitude 16.31 and 1.09 Billion LY from earth
SDSS J101758.02
- Magnitude 18.38 and 1.20 Billion LY frm earth
LEDA 2181848
- Magnitude 15.91 and 1.26 Billion LY from earth
2MASX J10190325
- Magnitude 15.97 and 1.25 Billion LY from earth
LEDA 2186561
- Magnitude 16.42 and 1.26 Billion LY from earth
2MAX J10183326
- Magnitude 18.49 and 1.27 Billion LY from earth
2XMM J101821.2
- Magnitude 17.89 and 1.91 Billion LY from earth
VV96 J101732.7
- Magnitude 18.23 and 6.20 Billion LY from earth
HIP 50189 STAR - Magnitude 9.39 and just 32.6 LY from earth. It can not be seen without a telescope.
The annotation in the image (ULX) indicates the position of an ultra-luminous X-ray source, possibly indicating
the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole. There are many other galaxies in this image but I have been
unable to find any charts or descriptions that have them identified!!
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Solar & Moon Images
Lower Right Limb
2013 Full Disk
Upper Right Limb
Block Filter Full DIsk
2016 Right Limb
2016 Full Disk
Total Eclipse in HA
2017 Eclipse HA 13%
2017 Eclipse HA 50%
2017 Eclipse HA 95%
2016 Sparta Moon
2013 1st Quarter Moon
2013 Moon
2017 Eclipse Live Screen
Under Construction
Under Construction
2017 Eclipse Live Screen
2017 Eclipse Live Screen
2017 Eclipse Live Screen
2017 Eclipse Live Screen
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Lower Right Limb in HA
Our Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is a nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, with internal
convective motion that generates a magnetic field via a dynamo process. Its diameter is about 1.39 million kms
(864,000 miles), or 109 times that of Earth, and its mass is about 330,000 times that of Earth. It accounts for
about 99.86% of the total mass of the Solar System. 1.3 million earths can fit inside our Sun volumetrically.
This is a closeup I shot back in 2013 of the lower Rt. limb where a massive prominance can be seen.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Sun Full Disk 2013 in HA
Our Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is a nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, with internal
convective motion that generates a magnetic field via a dynamo process. Its diameter is about 1.39 million kms
(864,000 miles), or 109 times that of Earth, and its mass is about 330,000 times that of Earth. It accounts for
about 99.86% of the total mass of the Solar System. 1.3 million earths can fit inside our Sun volumetrically.
This Full Disk was imaged from our Ohio home in 2013. Lots of activity on this day can be seen in the image.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Sun Full Disk 2016 in HA
Our Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is a nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, with internal
convective motion that generates a magnetic field via a dynamo process. Its diameter is about 1.39 million kms
(864,000 miles), or 109 times that of Earth, and its mass is about 330,000 times that of Earth. It accounts for
about 99.86% of the total mass of the Solar System. 1.3 million earths can fit inside our Sun volumetrically.
This Full Disk was imaged from our Ohio home in 2013. Lots of activity on this day can be seen in the image.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Upper Right Limb in HA
Our Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is a nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, with internal
convective motion that generates a magnetic field via a dynamo process. Its diameter is about 1.39 million kms
(864,000 miles), or 109 times that of Earth, and its mass is about 330,000 times that of Earth. It accounts for
about 99.86% of the total mass of the Solar System. 1.3 million earths can fit inside our Sun volumetrically.
This is a closeup I shot back in 2013 of the upper Rt. limb where a massive prominances can be seen. The
prominance seen in the upper left cornor of the image can extend out into space as far as 500,000 miles.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Full Disk with Block and White Light Filter
Our Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is a nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, with internal
convective motion that generates a magnetic field via a dynamo process. Its diameter is about 1.39 million kms
(864,000 miles), or 109 times that of Earth, and its mass is about 330,000 times that of Earth. It accounts for
about 99.86% of the total mass of the Solar System. 1.3 million earths can fit inside our Sun volumetrically.
This full disk shot back in June 2013 using a block & white filter where massive prominances can be seen easily.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
HA Lower Right Limb 2016
Our Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is a nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, with internal
convective motion that generates a magnetic field via a dynamo process. Its diameter is about 1.39 million kms
(864,000 miles), or 109 times that of Earth, and its mass is about 330,000 times that of Earth. It accounts for
about 99.86% of the total mass of the Solar System. 1.3 million earths can fit inside our Sun volumetrically.
This is a closeup I shot in NC July 2016 of the lower Rt. limb where a massive sun spots can be seen in HA.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
2017 Total Eclipse in HA
Total Solar Eclipse 2017, also known as the Great American Eclipse. This image was made by stacking all
captured images at 1 minute apart in Hydrogen Alpha during the totality.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
2017 Total Eclipse in HA
Total Solar Eclipse 2017, also known as the Great American Eclipse. This image was taken of the screen
on the main computer tracking the event interfaced to the telescope. This was about 15% into the eclipse.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
2017 Total Eclipse in HA
Total Solar Eclipse 2017, also known as the Great American Eclipse. This image was taken of the screen
on the main computer tracking the event interfaced to the telescope. This was about 50% into the eclipse.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
2017 Total Eclipse in HA
Total Solar Eclipse 2017, also known as the Great American Eclipse. This image was taken of the screen
on the main computer tracking the event interfaced to the telescope. This was about 13% into the eclipse.
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
Telescope:
PlaneWave 12.5” CDK f/8 Closed Carbon Fiber
Tube Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph with
Quartz Mirrors 0.66 Reducer for f/5.3 large FOV
Mount:
Astro-Physics AP1100 GTO CP4 Equatorial mount
Guide Scope:
Astro - 400mm Guider Refractor
Guide Camera:
ASI 290mm Guider Camera
Main camera:
ATIK 16200 Hi-Res Monochrome 16Mp full frame
diagonal of 35mm - ATIK 7 Position Filter Wheel
with LRGB, & Narrowband 3.5nm HA, SII, OIII
Focuser:
Hedrick 2.75” large format Hi-Res auto focuser
Planetary camera:
Celestron Skyris 236C color CMOS camera
Voyager Astrophotography software - provides automation
and complete control of the observatory &
telescope. Voyager runs competely autonomously.
Astro Pixel / PixInsight
Full stacking, masters, and editing software
AAG
Automated Weather system
Dragon Fly
Automated ROOF controller & switch matrix
Digital Loggers
Web Switch controllers
Roof Motor Controller
Interface - self designed
Solar Telescope:
Lunt LS60THA Double Stack Solar Telescope
Solar Camera:
DMK 51AU02.AS Hires Camera for Solar imaging
SharpCap:
Capture Software
Registax 6:
Stacking software
Telescope:
SkyWatcher 80mm Pro ED Refractor
Mount:
Celestron AVX Equatorial mount
Guide Scope:
Zwo 60mm Guide Refractor
Guide Camera:
Starlight Xpress LodeStar X2 Auto Guider
Main camera:
ASI 071 Color OS 16Mp full frame
Focuser:
Sesto Senso on a GSO Linear Focuser Upgrade
Prism 10 Advanced
Automation software
Astro Pixel
Full stacking, masters, and editing software
Digital Loggers
Web Switch controller
Astrophotography by David Collings
Blue Ridge Observatory
Copyright 2016 - 2023 David Collings Sparta, NC - Blue Ridge Observatory
David Collings - Bio
I have been an astronomer since 1990 but did not begin
Astrophotography until 2013. This is a challenging hobby but
the images that can be achieved are breathtaking and worth
all the trial and error of learning to become an Astro-
photographer.
I have been published multiple times and most recently in
2023 I have had 17 images published on Plane Wave
Instruments Company website and social media websites. I
have also been published in Sky & Telescope magazine for my
M63 - Sunflower Galaxy & M33 - Triangulum Galaxy.
We currently live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North
Carolina where the skies are pretty dark. On all clear nights
the Milky Way can be seen from horizon to horizon hopefully
providing conditions for good CCD imaging.
I am retired from GE Healthcare as a Design Engineering
Leader for MRI’s, NPI (new product introduction). I retired
early, April 2016, so I can enjoy spending time with our family
in NC and new grandson. This also now gives me more time
for my hobbies which includes Astrophotography, Classical
Piano, Amateur Radio, and Harley riding.
Soon I will add more images to this site as I take them now
that I have the time!
Thank you for visiting my website.
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