EXIF: 120 sec x 61 light frames - ISO 1600, f/2.8, 135mm
15 darks and 30 bias frames
EOS 2000D, Samyang 135mm f/2 lens
Skywatcher Star adventurer pro
Stacked using DSS, processing done using PS 2020
Starnet ++ for star removal.

The Witch Head Nebula and NGC 1788

Deep sky astrophotography sometimes can provide us with spine chilling images that tickle our imaginations. One of the most spookiest views in the night sky is of Witch Head Nebula aka IC 2118. The Witch Head Nebula is located near Orion’s brightest star, Rigel. The Witch Head Nebula is categorized as a reflection nebula, or one that shines with the aid of a nearby star. In this case, Rigel shines its bright light on the gas and dust to create the reflection that we see.

You can also see NGC 1788 which is also a reflection nebula located in a dark and often neglected corner of the Orion constellation. It is rather sharply defined on its southwest perimeter where it is flanked by the dark nebula known as Lynds 1616.

During our recent visit to bortle 1 skies of Bela, Balochistan me and my friend Dr-Ahmad Naeem couldn't resist capturing this creepy jewel of the night sky given the opportunity of being in the darkest skies possible. Due to limited window of time we decided to have a go at it together with Dr Ahmad capturing the data and I did the post processing. Really glad that we turned our lens towards it as the dark skies proved to be very helpful in bringing out it's true colors.

Ahmad Naeem
Adeel Shafiq