Celestial Objects - Astrophotography by Patrick Winkler

Celestial Objects

A journey into the depths of the universe

Astrophotography is much more than just photographing the night sky - it is a fascinating combination of art and science. By using special techniques, we can experience celestial objects and phenomena in a way that would not be possible with the naked eye. It opens a window to the depths of the cosmos and allows us to discover the beauty, diversity and mysteries of space. The possibilities of astrophotography are almost limitless. From the spectacular spiral arms of distant galaxies and the brilliant colors of gas nebulae to fleeting celestial events such as the Aurora Borealis, the results reveal not only the beauty of the night sky. They also give us an insight into the physical processes that shape them.

Astrophotography on the other hand requires a comprehensive understanding of both astronomy and photography. Its foundations are advanced camera techniques, combined with careful planning, specialized equipment and long exposure times. In addition, powerful telescopes, precise tracking systems and sensitive camera sensors are able to capture even the faintest signals from the universe. But it's not just the technology that makes astrophotography special. Equally important is the passion and dedication of the photographer.

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M 104

M 104 (also known as NGC 4594 or The Sombrero Galaxy) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo. The galaxy is about 32 mio. lightyears away and has a very bright core and bulge, which contains a supermassive black hole. A very prominent dust lane is visible - this dust lane is actually a symmetrical ring that encloses the bulge and is the primary site of star formation in this galaxy.

CVMP 1

CVMP 1 is a planetary nebula in the constellation Circinus. The object is around 6.500 light years away and has a magnitude of 20.25 mag. CVMP1 was first cataloged as an emission nebula in 1974, but with detailed analysis in 1997 proven as a planetary nebula.Since then its been called CVMP 1 (Corradi, Villaver, Mampaso, Perinotto).

M 22

Messier 22 or The Great Sagittarius Cluster is an elliptical globular cluster in the constellation Sagittarius. M 22 was discovered in 1665 by A. Ihle. The GC is about 10.600 light years away from earth and spans over approx. 100 light years on the night sky.

IC 4601

IC 4601 is a reflection nebula located in the constellation Scorpius at a distance of 420 light years. The nebula is illuminated by three blue giant stars, the brightest is HD 147010 and two stars of a binary system. The nebula itself is a part of the larger interstellar cloud known as the Blue Horsehead Nebula.

M 83

Messier 83 (also NGC 5236 or Southern Pinwheel Galaxy) is a beautiful grand design spiral galaxy in the southern constellation Hydra. It is about 15 mio. light years away and it was discovered by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille.

Vela SNR

The Vela SNR (Supernova Remnant) is a huge structure in the constellation Vela.

M 16

M 16 (also called the Eagle Nebula) is a bright emission nebula with a young open cluster in the constellation Serpens. It is best known for the "Pillars of Creation", a dark silhouette and star forming region in its center. Its believed that the dark pockets (called Bok globules) are protostars.