IC 4604
The Rho Ophicuhi Nebula


Combination of 7, 300 second images.
Modified Canon Digital Rebel DSLR camera. 5" f/5 refractor at prime focus.

The region just to the north of Antares is home to a facinating hoard of bright reflection and emission nebulae, and murky dark nebulae, with a couple of globular clusters and several double stars added in for good measure. This image is centred on the star, rho ophiuchi. Surrounding this star is a moderately bright reflection nebula, IC 4064. It can be seen with a 12" telescope under dark skies, however the light from the 3 stars is a major problem when trying to view this nebula, so it is best to try with the stars outside the field of view first.