Capturing the Spectacular Lion Nebula in the Night Sky of Portugal
Key Ideas
  • Miguel Claro, a renowned photographer based in Lisbon, captures the mesmerizing Lion Nebula in Portugal, showcasing the beauty of the night sky.
  • Specializing in astronomical 'Skyscapes', Claro's image of the Lion Nebula highlights the connection between Earth and the vast universe.
  • The photograph, taken at the Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory, features the nebula powered by massive stars, creating a stunning display of hydrogen-alpha and oxygen-III bands.
  • The wide field view also reveals other celestial objects like small planetary nebulas and open clusters, providing an immersive experience of the cosmos.
Miguel Claro, a professional photographer and science communicator based in Lisbon, Portugal, has captured a breathtaking image of the Lion Nebula, also known as Sh2-132, located approximately 10,000 light-years away in the Cepheus constellation. As a prominent figure in the world of astrophotography, Claro's work showcases the beauty of the night sky and the intricate connections between Earth and the universe. The photograph, taken at the Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory in Portugal, features the Lion Nebula, which is powered by two massive stars, each exceeding 20 times the mass of our sun. The image, captured in hydrogen-alpha and oxygen-III bands as well as red, green, and blue light, presents a deep wide field view of Sh2-132 immersed in the glow of ionized hydrogen gas. The nebula's energetic matter has the density to form stars under gravitational forces, creating a visually stunning display of reddish hues from hydrogen-alpha emission and bluish hues from ionized oxygen in OIII emission. In addition to the Lion Nebula, Claro's photograph also includes other celestial objects like small planetary nebulas and open clusters, offering viewers a glimpse into the vastness of the cosmos. Claro's work not only highlights the beauty of the night sky but also serves as a bridge between art, science, and the wonders of the universe.
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