click for larger image

 

Catalogue and alternative designations NGC 2070, Tarantula Nebula, 30 Doradus

 

Type Emission Nebula 
Position 05 38.7, -69 06
Constellation Dorado
Camera and Telescope STXL16200 and 36.8 cm Ritchey Chretien
Focal Ratio F9
Exposure Details This is a Hubble Palette image (SHO) with red assigned to Sulphur II, Green assigned to Hydrogen Alpha and Blue to Oxygen III. The exposures (all binned 2x2) were Sulphur II = 210 minutes, Hydrogen Alpha = 100 minutes and Oxygen III = 240 minutes. Astrodon 3 nm filters were used.
Description This huge emission nebula complex in the Large Magellanic Cloud would more than cover the whole constellation of Orion if placed at the position of the Orion Nebula.  It is visible with the naked eye as a hazy spot.

To see a Hubble view of the inner region of the Tarantula, click here