NGC 1579, often called the “Northern Trifid,” is a striking star-forming nebula in Perseus. About 2,100 light-years away and spanning roughly 3 light-years, it blends glowing red hydrogen emission with vivid blue reflection nebulae, all threaded by dramatic dark dust lanes. At its heart lies the massive young star LkHα 101, whose intense radiation illuminates the surrounding gas and dust, creating a vivid contrast of colors and textures. This dusty stellar nursery, part of the California Molecular Cloud, mirrors the beauty of the more famous Trifid Nebula in Sagittarius.
With my Bortle 5-6 skies it is a challenge to get decent RGB images, and I am still learning all the techniques that contribute to accomplishing this ‘feat’. Although I see now that more data is needed, this attempt was satisfying enough for me to post.
Image captured using my EdgeHD-11 telescope and ZWO-ASI2600mm camera. This is a SHORGB image, mixing the narrowband SHO subs and the broadband RGB subs. Taken over the period November 23-29, 2025, a total of just over 12 hours integration time.
