Gems around Southern Cross
My last way to Chile in July 2019 was not only about the solar eclipse, but also about enjoying the immersive beauty of southern starry sky. One of the most stunning area there is surrounding of famous Southern Cross constellation (or Crux), captured on 3rd July, 2019. Bright four stars Arcux, Mimosa, Gacrux and Imai lie like a four diamonds in the river of the Milky Way, just on the edge of dark Coalsack Nebula, looking like continent of Africa. On the left, two bright stars Alpha and Beta Centauri are listed as one of the brightest in the sky, while on right the large Carina Nebula takes the central stage. Even without sesitive camera you can easily see these gems once you look up in the starry sky of the southern hemisphere. Attentive viewer can also identify NGC 4945 – “The Tweezers galaxy” beside the Omega Centauri globular cluster on left top part of the image. Used Canon 6D BCF Baader modified, Sigma ART 50mm, f3.2, ISO 3200, 27x60s stacked, darkframes applied, used Vixen Polarie.
