This image captures LDN 1661, a dark nebula in Canis Major, along with vdB 96, a small blue reflection nebula illuminated by the B-type star HD 57281.
The region is about 1,200–1,500 light-years away and part of the Canis Major molecular cloud complex.
The dark lanes of LDN 1661 obscure background stars, indicating dense molecular gas and dust.
The surrounding red hydrogen emissions suggest ionized gas from young stars. Herbig-Haro object HH 72 is also present, a sign of ongoing star formation.
There is a small reflection nebula at the bottom of the image which with the kind assistance of Maxim Usatov was identified as Bran 22c, below is Bran 22D and below that is Bran 22 G. To the left of Bran 22c is a young stellar object Gyulbudaghian+Maghakian GM 1-8. These objects (knots) are actually within LDN 1664.
This region combines dark clouds, scattered blue light, and faint hydrogen emissions, making it an interesting area for astrophotography and study.
Imaged in LRGB and H alpha on my Planewave DR 350 at Observatorio El Sauce, Chile.
Image Acquisition and Processing: Mike Selby