NGC 2174 Monkey Head Nebula. 135mm (False SHO)

dmitryspn63

48521

Deep Sky

Apr 7th, 2026

280

NGC 2174 Monkey Head Nebula. 135mm (False SHO)

NGC 2218IC 2159NGC 2174NGC 2175

Resolution:: 1548x1004 px
File size:: 734 KB

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Photo description / processing

I decided to take a break from M51 for now and moved on to NGC 2174. It's a fairly bright object, so I can collect data for a bit longer. In Siril, I played around with the channels to create a simulated SHO palette. Yes, it's false SHO, but to some extent, it helps to slightly increase the contrast. I placed the red channel into green, green into blue, and blue into red.

Technical information

Telescope/Lens: Canon EF-S 55-250mm Lens
Camera: Canon EOS 1100D (astro-modified)
Mount: Tripod
Guide Scope: ручное ведение
Accessories: Secondary Mirror Spider
Software: Siril, StarNet++, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop.

Location: с. Рамено, Сызранский р-н, Самарская обл., Россия

Light pollution

Orange, Bortle 6 zone

Date taken: Apr 6th, 2026

Exposure

364 × 2.5″ · ISO/Gain: 3200 · f5.0, 135mm. · Apr 6th, 2026

Total exposure: 15 m

Comments

Smirnov Andrey

Are you sure this is exactly 2174? It doesn't seem to match either in outline or in the arrangement of stars against the nebula.

Apr 7th, 2026

dmitryspn63Reply to Smirnov Andrey

Yes, that's it. To the right of the nebula, at the bottom, are a pair of bright stars from Orion: Chi2 Orionis and 64 Orionis. Directly above the nebula is the star Propus. To the left of Propus, the Medusa Nebula (IC 443) should have been visible, but I didn't gather enough exposure time for it. Otherwise, it might not be very clear—the total integration is still quite low.

Apr 7th, 2026

Smirnov AndreyReply to dmitryspn63

Well, if you're sure, then Oops! :)
I just couldn't identify the stars in the nebula on my image and yours.

Apr 7th, 2026

dmitryspn63Reply to Smirnov Andrey

Well, our focal lengths are a bit different.

Apr 7th, 2026

Smirnov AndreyReply to dmitryspn63

But the stars are still the same :))

Apr 7th, 2026