Rosette Nebula: Close to Orion in the constellation of Monoceros one finds this spectacular emission nebula like a blooming flower. The open star cluster in the center excites the hydrogen clouds of this star cradle from which they were born. Numerous dust bands and clouds in between make this sight so beautiful.

This B+W image has been exposed by only taking the H-alpha radiation of hydrogen through a narrow band filter. It is fascinating to follow the intricate structures especially when viewing the Hi-Res version.

For a colour image click here.

The image was taken at the IAS astronomical site at the Hakos farm in Namibia.