More than astrophotography, an astronomical exploration.
The Horse and Flame (DWARF mini)
David Cruz · Astromidnight
In Orion, next to the star Alnitak, the dust cloud Barnard 33 traces a horse's head against the red gas. Beside it, the Flame Nebula hides behind its dust a cluster of stars less than 2 million years old.
Acquisition details
7 h 30 min of light
Each tick is a 90-second exposure. 300 in total, gain 120. Calibrated with 10 darks, 10 flats and 10 bias. The Moon stayed below 15 % illumination throughout.
14 Feb 2026
150 × 90 s
3 h 45 min
Moon 9%
19 Feb 2026
75 × 90 s
1 h 53 min
Moon 5%
20 Feb 2026
75 × 90 s
1 h 53 min
Moon 10%
Telescope
DWARFLAB DWARF mini
Camera
ZWO ASI662MC
Location
São Pedro da Gafanhoeira, Évora · 358 m
Sky
Bortle 3