Overview and Key Features of the Orion Nebula
The object selected for observation is called the Orion Nebula. It was selected because of its beauty, its interest for investigation, and the bright stars in it. It can be described as a star-forming region located around 1500 light-years from us (“Hubble’s sharpest view of the Orion Nebula,” n.d.). The numerous observations of the object helped to determine that it consists of associations of stars, other objects, areas of reflection nebulae, and ionized gas (“Hubble’s sharpest view of the Orion Nebula,” n.d.). It includes the massive, young stars and pillars of dense gas that, in the future, might transform into new stars.
The observed central region is where the four brightest and most visible stars are located. They are called the Trapezium because the trapezoid pattern can be observed (“Hubble’s sharpest view of the Orion Nebula,” n.d.). At the same time, hundreds of other smaller stars are located in the same area, making it more interesting for investigation and analysis.
Methods and Results of the MicroObservatory Observation
In such a way, the Orion Nebula was selected as the location for observation. The acquired image represents the four brightest stars that can be observed. The exposure time was 60 seconds, with the normal field of view. The final image was acquired by blending the pictures with the red, blue, and green filters. As a result, the description observed in Image 1 was acquired.
It is possible to see that the objects are bright and have specific clouds around them, which can be considered clouds of ionized gas. At the same time, smaller stars can be seen in the image and are part of the Orion Nebula. In general, the picture is not very bright and detailed; however, it is possible to understand what the object might look like and about its brightest stars.
Comparison Between Student Observation and Hubble Imaging
Even though the second image appears different from the first, it represents the same object. It describes the Orion Nebula made using Hubble, one of the most advanced and powerful telescopes available for observations nowadays. Thus, 520 Hubble images were selected and used by astronomers to compose the final picture (“Hubble’s sharpest view of the Orion Nebula,” n.d.). Moreover, it is not an RGB image as it has five colors that help to better understand the nebula’s appearance (“Hubble’s sharpest view of the Orion Nebula,” n.d.).
Additionally, ground-based photos were added to ensure the object is filled and there are no empty spaces. The professional image was made in 2004 and 2005 (“Hubble’s sharpest view of the Orion Nebula,” n.d.). The difference in approach to making the photo explains why the images of the same object look so different; however, comparing the two shots, it is possible to notice similarities, such as the four brightest stars.
Reflections on the Observation Process and Learning Experience
Altogether, using the MicroObservatory Robotic telescope, it was possible to acquire three images in red, blue, and green filters. The final result, an RGB image, shows the object’s appearance when using the telescope. The four bright stars and the smaller ones can be seen in the area. The professional photo of the object shows how the Orion Nebula might look if using the Hubble telescope and five filters.
The assignment was an enjoyable and vital experience, promoting an enhanced understanding of how images of distant objects are acquired by astronomers and how various filters might be used to create a particular shot. The photo was taken as part of the assignment, and the professional one looked different; however, they depicted the same object in the same space.
Reference
Hubble’s sharpest view of the Orion Nebula. (2006). Hubblesite. Web.
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