Ancient Light Photography by Emil Andronic

14/05/2026

I'm very happy to announce that my Ced51 photo was chosen as the winner of the Photon d'Or competition for April 2026.
This is my second time to receive this prestigious award, the 1st time was 3 and a half years ago, and I am again very honoured to receive it.
JB, thank you very much for all the hard work that you do to makes this competition happen.

Alors que la Grande Nébuleuse d’Orion (M42) attire tous les regards, le sommet de la constellation du chasseur abrite un complexe d’une finesse et d’une complexité astrophysique redoutables, qui demeure largement moins visité et photographié.

30/04/2026

So far this year's galaxy season has been quite productive.

On top of the Pinwheel and NGC4395 galaxies that I shared earlier this month, I shot 5 more galaxies that I'm very happy with.

In the 1st photo you can see NGC5033 or the Waterbug galaxy.
Located approximately 38 to 60 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici, NGC 5033 is an inclined spiral galaxy classified as a Seyfert galaxy because it contains a highly active and energetic nucleus powered by a supermassive black hole.

The 2nd photo is of the NGC5005 galaxy.
Located roughly 65 million light-years away, NGC 5005 (also known as Caldwell 29) is an inclined spiral galaxy also located in the constellation Canes Venatici.

In the 3rd photo I have the Eye of Sauron Galaxy
NGC 4151 or the famous "Eye of Sauron" galaxy, is a Seyfert galaxy with an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) powered by a supermassive black hole. Located roughly 62 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici, the galaxy's bright central core and surrounding structures create the "eye" look.

In the 4th photo you can see the NGC4145 Galaxy.
NGC 4145 is a barred spiral galaxy situated approximately 68 million light-years away from Earth in the same constellation of the Hunting Dogs, and is noted by astronomers for being "anemic," meaning it has very little ongoing star formation compared to other spiral galaxies.

In the 5th photo I have the NGC2903 Galaxy.
NGC 2903 is a prominent barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Leo.
It is a field galaxy with a weak central bar and two distinct spiral arms filled with blue star-forming regions and pinkish emission nebulae and it's spanning about 80,000 to 100,000 light-years in diameter, being slightly smaller than our Milky Way.

The last photo is showing my 2 babies that are in charge of capturing the faint photons coming from millions of light-years away. 😁

Equipment used:
Mounts: StellarDrive GT6, Dark Frame hypertuned EQ6
Modified Sky-Watcher Explorer 200p (Baader Diamond Steeltrack focuser), Orion Optics CT8
2 x Aplanatic coma corrector
ASI294MM Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 15°C
QHY268M Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 10°C
8x1.25" ZWO USB filterwheel
QHYCCD QHYCCD CFW3M-US 36mm filterwheel
Chroma 1.25" 3nm Ha and LRGB filters
Antlia 36mm 3nm Ha and lRGB filters
2 x ZWO ASI290m Mini guide cameras
ZWO OAG
QHYCCD OAG-M
Qhyccd Polemaster

Software used:
Eqmod, SGP - Sequence Generator Pro, PHD2, Stellarium, SharpCap for polar alignment

Date 17.03.2026 to 22.04.2026

Location:
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, bortle 5

Stacked and calibrated in AstroPixel Processor and processed in Pixinsight (with help from Blur Xterminator, Star Xterminator and Noise Xterminator) and Photoshop CC 2026

Full resolutionand other technical details on my astrobin account:
NGC5033 and NGC5005: https://www.astrobin.com/z6ecda/
The Eye of Sauron and NGC4145: https://www.astrobin.com/ron5ln/
NGC2903: https://www.astrobin.com/vmjp5c/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancient_light_by_emilandronic/
More of my work on my website:
https://emilandronic.co.uk/

21/04/2026

Star party in my back garden 😎

20/04/2026

Auriga Jewels

Sh2-230 is a large, faint H II emission region located in the constellation Auriga, approximately 6,800–9,800 light-years from Earth. Often referred to as a "nebula cluster," it serves as a massive complex containing several prominent nebulae, including IC 405 (Flaming Star), IC 410 (Tadpoles), IC 417, and NGC 1931.

This region of the sky is best imaged with wide-field telescopes using Hydrogen-alpha narrowband filters, often spanning 5.5 x 3.5 degrees or more in field of view.

Objects within the Sh2-230 Complex
Because it is so expansive, Sh2-230 contains multiple well-known nebulae and star clusters, including:

IC 405 (The Flaming Star Nebula): A large emission and reflection nebula powered by the runaway star AE Aurigae.
IC 410 (The Tadpoles Nebula): Known for its distinct tadpole-shaped gas structures sculpted by stellar winds.
IC 417 & NGC 1931: Frequently called the Spider and Fly nebulae.
Messier Objects: Open star clusters M38 and M36 are located within its perimeters

Equipment used:
Mounts: Sky-watcher EQ3 Pro with upgraded tripod
Telescope: William Optics Redcat 51
Touptek ATR2600C Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 10°C
Antlia ALP-T Dualband 3nm Ha & OIII 2" and Antlia Triband II RGB Ultra - 2" filters
Altair 2" Magnetic Filter Holder
ZWO EAF
Svbony SV165 guidescope
ZWO ASI120MM Mini guidecamera
Svbony SV241 Power/USB Hub
MeLE 4C quieter mini PC
Qhyccd Polemaster
Gemini 100mm Automatic Flat Panel

Software used:
Eqmod, SGP - N.I.N.A., PHD2, Stellarium, SharpCap for polar alignment

Date 16.02.2025 to 21.03.2026

Location:
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, bortle 5

Frames:
Antlia ALP-T Dualband 3nm Ha & OIII 2": 127×300″(10h 35′)
Antlia Triband II RGB Ultra Filter - 2": 32×300″(2h 40′)

Total integration time: 13h 15′

Stacked and calibrated in AstroPixel Processor and processed in Pixinsight (with help from Blur Xterminator, Star Xterminator and Noise Xterminator) and Photoshop CC 2026

Full resolution: https://www.astrobin.com/nilq6t/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancient_light_by_emilandronic/
More of my work on my website:
https://emilandronic.co.uk/

16/04/2026

Voting for the People's Choice Award in the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 is closing in 12 days.
If you like my photo, "A Winter Ghost", number 14 in the list, I would really appreciate your vote.

Thank you in advance! 😊

https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/astronomy-photographer-year/galleries/peoples-choice-2025?fbclid=IwdGRzaAROA9tjbGNrBE4DkmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHkQulJO3upgv6EgM82fvlhfCMU74irZbKKvSqyCZILi2c0YKrrexfhLpjGSw_aem_1uSoEAruVInvbaVZgWlVkA&sfnsn=scwspwa

Who is YOUR ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year? Cast your vote!

15/04/2026

NGC4395

NGC 4395 is a low surface brightness dwarf spiral galaxy located approximately 14 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is notable for its highly active nucleus and for hosting one of the least massive supermassive black holes ever discovered.

It is classified as a Seyfert Type I galaxy, making it the nearest and least luminous known example of this class and while most galaxies have supermassive black holes with millions of solar masses, NGC 4395's central black hole is estimated to be between 10,000 and 400,000 solar masses.
Unusually for an active galaxy, NGC4395 lacks a central stellar bulge, giving it a more "chaotic" or irregular spiral appearance.

Several of its brightest star-forming regions have their own designations in the New General Catalogue: NGC 4399, NGC 4400, and NGC 4401

Equipment used:
Mounts: StellarDrive GT6, Dark Frame hypertuned EQ6
Modified Sky-Watcher Explorer 200p (Baader Diamond Steeltrack focuser), Orion Optics CT8
2 x Aplanatic coma corrector
ASI294MM Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 15°C
QHY268M Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 10°C
8x1.25" ZWO USB filterwheel
QHYCCD QHYCCD CFW3M-US 36mm filterwheel
Chroma 1.25" 3nm Ha and LRGB filters
Antlia 36mm 3nm Ha and lRGB filters
2 x ZWO ASI290m Mini guide cameras
ZWO OAG
QHYCCD OAG-M
Qhyccd Polemaster

Software used:
Eqmod, SGP - Sequence Generator Pro, PHD2, Stellarium, SharpCap for polar alignment

Date 24.04.2025 to 15.03.2026

Location:
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, bortle 5

Frames:
Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm: 25×600″(4h 10′)
Antlia V-Pro Blue 36 mm: 36×600″(6h)
Antlia V-Pro Green 36 mm: 36×600″(6h)
Antlia V-Pro Red 36 mm: 36×600″(6h)
Chroma Blue 1.25": 41×300″(3h 25′)
Chroma Green 1.25": 40×300″(3h 20′)
Chroma H-alpha 3nm Bandpass 1.25": 12×600″(2h)
Chroma Lum 1.25": 100×300″(8h 20′)
Chroma Red 1.25": 42×300″(3h 30′)

Total integration time: 42h 45′

Stacked and calibrated in AstroPixel Processor and processed in Pixinsight (with help from Blur Xterminator, Star Xterminator and Noise Xterminator) and Photoshop CC 2026

Full resolution: https://www.astrobin.com/a0aokp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancient_light_by_emilandronic/
More of my work on my website:
https://emilandronic.co.uk/

12/04/2026

Star trail and a short time-lapse with my 3 telescope setups capturing the sweet deep space photons.

03/04/2026

Cone and Fox Fur Nebula

AAPOD2 winner - 04.04.2026 https://www.aapod2.com/blog/cone-and-fox-fur-nebula

The Cone Nebula and Fox Fur Nebula are two prominent features within a vast star-forming complex officially designated as NGC 2264. Located approximately 2,700 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros (the Unicorn), these nebulae are part of a massive nursery of gas and dust where new stars are being born.

The Cone Nebula is a dark, pillar-like structure of cold molecular hydrogen and dust spanning about 7 light-years in length.
Its conical shape is formed by the erosion of the surrounding gas cloud by intense radiation and stellar winds from young, hot stars.

The Fox Fur Nebula is an emission and reflection nebula named for its intricate, filamentary textures that resemble the head of a red fox stole.
The red areas are caused by hydrogen gas being ionized by ultraviolet radiation from hot, young stars and the blue areas are reflection nebulae created by dust scattering the light from these same stars.
The nebula is heavily influenced by the bright variable star S Monocerotis, which sits nearby and helps illuminate the surrounding gas.

NGC 2264 region
This entire cosmic complex is a frequent target for astrophotographers due to its vibrant colors and diverse structures. It includes:
The Christmas Tree Cluster: A young open cluster of stars whose triangular arrangement gives it its name.
Star-Forming Activity: The region is only about 1 to 5 million years old, making it a very active stellar nursery.
Visibility: While difficult to see with the naked eye, it can be glimpsed through larger telescopes under dark skies and is stunningly revealed through long-exposure photography.

Equipment used:
Mounts: StellarDrive GT6, Dark Frame hypertuned EQ6
Modified Sky-Watcher Explorer 200p (Baader Diamond Steeltrack focuser), Orion Optics CT8, AstroTech 106LE with upgraded Moonlite focuser
TSFlat 2" field flattener
2 x Aplanatic coma corrector
ASI294MM Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 15°C
QHY268M Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 10°C
QHY294M Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 10°C
8x1.25" ZWO USB filterwheel
QHYCCD QHYCCD CFW3M-US 36mm filterwheel
Chroma 1.25" 3nm Ha and LRGB filters
Antlia 36mm LRGB filters
Qhyccd QHY5L-IIM guide camera
2 x ZWO ASI290m Mini guide cameras
ZWO OAG
QHYCCD OAG-M
Qhyccd Polemaster

Software used:
Eqmod, SGP - Sequence Generator Pro, PHD2, Stellarium, SharpCap for polar alignment

Date 29.03.2021 to 26.03.2026

Location:
Bushey, Hertfordshire, Bortle 7 (2021 and 2022)
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, bortle 5 (2025 and 2026)

Frames:
Antlia V-Pro Blue 36 mm: 28×180″(1h 24′)
Antlia V-Pro Blue 36 mm: 27×300″(2h 15′)
Antlia V-Pro Green 36 mm: 30×180″(1h 30′)
Antlia V-Pro Green 36 mm: 27×300″(2h 15′)
Antlia V-Pro Luminance 36 mm: 18×600″(3h)
Antlia V-Pro Red 36 mm: 31×180″(1h 33′)
Antlia V-Pro Red 36 mm: 29×300″(2h 25′)
Chroma Blue 1.25": 45×180″(2h 15′)
Chroma Green 1.25": 45×180″(2h 15′)
Chroma H-alpha 3nm Bandpass 1.25": 40×300″(3h 20′)
Chroma Lum 1.25": 38×300″(3h 10′)
Chroma Red 1.25": 43×180″(2h 9′)

Total integration time: 27h 31′

Stacked and calibrated in AstroPixel Processor and processed in Pixinsight (with help from Blur Xterminator, Star Xterminator and Noise Xterminator) and Photoshop CC 2026

Full resolution: https://www.astrobin.com/vxwtra/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancient_light_by_emilandronic/
More of my work on my website:
https://emilandronic.co.uk/

25/03/2026

Date night with M101

One moonless night with my 2 8” newtonian setups. I started with the Ha when the galaxy was a bit lower in the sky, then did some R, G and B, I shot the Luminance when the galaxy was at its highets and then finished it off with some more R, G and B.

Pretty pleased with the result.

I hope you like it too!

The Pinwheel Galaxy (also known as Messier 101, M101 or NGC 5457) is a face-on spiral galaxy 21 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781 and was communicated that year to Charles Messier, who verified its position for inclusion in the Messier Catalogue as one of its final entries.
Messier 101 a bit of a monster; physically spanning around 170,000 light years (it lies some 20.9 million light years away) and believed to host a trillion stars, Messier 101 is the second-largest galaxy in Messier’s catalogue after the mighty Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31). Thus, unsurprisingly, it is the third largest by appearance on the sky after Andromeda and M33, the Triangulum Galaxy, spanning a whopping 27’ x 26’. Physically, M101 matches up well with M31 and somewhat dwarfs M33.
The galaxy's spiral arms are sprinkled with large regions of star-forming nebulas. These nebulas are areas of intense star formation within giant molecular hydrogen clouds. Brilliant, young clusters of hot, blue, newborn stars trace out the spiral arms.

Equipment used:
Mounts: StellarDrive GT6, Dark Frame hypertuned EQ6
Modified Sky-Watcher Explorer 200p (Baader Diamond Steeltrack focuser), Orion Optics CT8
2 x Aplanatic coma corrector
ASI294MM Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 15°C
QHY268M Pro Cmos camera, cooled at - 10°C
8x1.25" ZWO USB filterwheel
QHYCCD QHYCCD CFW3M-US 36mm filterwheel
Chroma 1.25" 3nm Ha and LRGB filters
Antlia 36mm 3nm Ha and lRGB filters
2 x ZWO ASI290m Mini guide cameras
ZWO OAG
QHYCCD OAG-M
Qhyccd Polemaster

Software used:
Eqmod, SGP - Sequence Generator Pro, PHD2, Stellarium, SharpCap for polar alignment

Date 21.03.2026

Location:
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, bortle 5

Frames:
Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm: 9×600″(1h 30′)
Antlia V-Pro Blue 36 mm: 9×300″(45′)
Antlia V-Pro Green 36 mm: 12×300″(1h)
Antlia V-Pro Luminance 36 mm: 24×300″(2h)
Antlia V-Pro Red 36 mm: 12×300″(1h)
Chroma Blue 1.25": 17×180″(51′)
Chroma Green 1.25": 20×180″(1h)
Chroma H-alpha 3nm Bandpass 1.25": 18×300″(1h 30′)
Chroma Lum 1.25": 40×180″(2h)
Chroma Red 1.25": 20×180″(1h)

Total integration time: 12h 36′

Stacked and calibrated in AstroPixel Processor and processed in Pixinsight (with help from Blur Xterminator, Star Xterminator and Noise Xterminator) and Photoshop CC 2026

Full resolution: https://www.astrobin.com/tfo0h8/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancient_light_by_emilandronic/
More of my work on my website:
https://emilandronic.co.uk/

23/03/2026

"Lest we forget"

Track/Stack/Blend

My first Milky-Way outing for this year. The Location was set to the Coastguard Cottages because I have never done the summer Milky-Way from this location.

When I was looking for a foreground composition I noticed in the distance something that looked like a boulder so I went to check it out.

To my surprise, it wasn’t a boulder but a WWII memorial that commemorates the soldiers of a Canadian company who died in the area when they came under fire from the German Messerschmitts.

Seeing that, I had to include it in my foreground together with the Coastguard cottages and the Seven Sisters white cliffs.

To make the war memorial stand out, I light painted it with my head torch.

Equipment:

2 x Astro-modified Canon 6d, Vixen Polarie star tacker with, Benro Mach 3 CF tripd and 3 Legged Thing Leo tripod, Samyang 24mm f1.4, Sigma Art 24-35mm f2

The foregroumd is a stack of 2 x 3min ISO3200 exposures with the Sigma Art 24-35mm f2 f5
The sky is a stack of 21 x 60sec ISO 1600 tracked exposures with the Samyang 24mm @ f2

Date: 14.03.2026

I hope you like it.

Astrobin link: https://www.astrobin.com/9hmy98/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancient_light_by_emilandronic/
More of my work on my website:
https://emilandronic.co.uk/