Type: Reflection Nebula

Constellation: Eridanus

Distance from Earth: 900 light-years

About: IC 2118, commonly referred to as the Witch Head Nebula because of its distinctive shape, is a large yet very faint reflection nebula. It is thought to be either an ancient supernova remnant or a gas cloud that is being illuminated by the nearby supergiant star Rigel. Located in the Eridanus Constellation, it is approximately 900 light-years from Earth.

This is the first astrophotography image taken in the backyard of my new home in Mansfield, Georgia.  In my former home in Illinois, I was unable to capture this target as I was at 42° North and this never reached over 20 degrees. The light pollution would have made it difficult as the skies are approaching Bortle 6. However, my new home is at 33° North, allowing me to image the target at 48 degrees, making it much easier to view. 

Imaging Project Information:

Imaging Telescope: Rokinon 135mm f/2 Prime Lens

Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI533MM Pro

Mount: Celestron Advanced VX 

Guiding: ZWO 30mm mini guide scope and ASI224MC camera  

Filters and Frames: 

Antlia Edge LRGB and 4.5nm Ha Filters

Luminance: 82 x 300s

Hydrogen Alpha: 22x300s

Red, Green, Blue: 30x120s per filter

Total Integration 11.6 Hrs.

Accessories: Mele Quieter 3 Minicomputer, ZWO EAF electronic focuser, ZWO EFW 8 x 1.25″ filter wheel, Primalucelab Giotto 120 Flat Field Calibrator and Alto-1 Motor, Pegasus Astro Powerbox Advanced

Software: Acquisition – Nighttime Imaging N’ Astronomy Preprocessing: Pixinsight Postprocessing: Pixinsight

Acquisition Period: 2/2-2/5/2025