07-03-2025
UAE: Stunning image of Witch Head Nebula captured in Abu Dhabi
A mesmerising image of the Witch Head Nebula, scientifically known as IC 2118, was captured by the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi.
The stunning photo, taken after an intense nearly 39-hour imaging session, offers a breathtaking glimpse into the heart of this distant cosmic wonder.
Located approximately 900 light years away in the Eridanus constellation, the Witch Head Nebula is a reflection nebula — an interstellar cloud of gas and dust that reflects the light of a nearby star. In this case, the star Rigel, one of the brightest in our night sky, serves as the illuminating source. The nebula's iconic blue hue comes from the light of Rigel, whose intense radiation and stellar winds interact with the surrounding gas and dust, creating a distinctive glow.
The Witch Head Nebula's intriguing shape, which resembles the face of a witch with a long, pointed nose, is the result of these powerful stellar forces sculpting the gas clouds.
The nebula is believed to contain star-forming regions, with studies suggesting evidence of new stars forming within it.
Capturing this stunning image wasn't an easy feat. The observatory team spent 38.6 hours collecting 463 separate photographs, each lasting five minutes. The team used a 5-inch telescope equipped with a color camera and a light pollution filter, all while battling the challenges posed by a light pollution level of Bortle 6 at their observation site
