The Dark Doodad Nebula: Just next to the Southern Cross the constellation of Musca is found. In it is an extended Dark Nebula which has no real designation. Therefore it is called the Dark Doodad Nebula. A huge molecular cloud absorbs the light of the background stars so that hardly any stars can be seen in this area.
The image also contains two Globular Clusters: NGC 4833 at the bottom left and NGC 4372 to the right of it.

The image was taken under the very clear sky of Sutherland close to the site of the South African Large Telescope (SALT).

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Jurg Wagener from Sutherland for providing me with one of his observation enclosures for setting up my equipment and his support during my stay. His every night starshows about the wonders of the Southern Sky are an unforgettable attraction for all Sutherland visitors. Find out more about Sutherland and its attractions here.