Sh2-276 - Barnard's Loop

Barnard’s Loop (Sh2‑276) is an extensive emission nebula in the constellation Orion at 1,500-1,600 light-years from earth and part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, which also includes the Orion Nebula and the Horsehead Nebula. The nebula appears as a large, semicircular arc of ionized hydrogen surrounding the region of Orion’s Belt and the Orion Nebula, clearly visible in H‑alpha images. Barnard’s Loop has a diameter of approximately 300 light-years and is likely the remnant of a supernova explosion.

Near Barnard’s Loop is the Angelfish Nebula (Sh2‑264 or Lambda Orionis Ring), another large emission nebula/H II region in the northern part of the Orion Complex. It is ionized by the bright star Lambda Orionis (Meissa) and the central open star cluster Collinder 69. Interestingly, at an early morning in Siladen, when it is practically inverted, the nebula appears like the face of an alien, in Europe, this orientation of the nebula is generally not visible. Due to this striking shape, the nebula could also be referred to as the “Alien Nebula” in addition to its traditional name Angelfish Nebula. In another image, the “Alien Nebula” is shown starless, making the face more clearly visible.

Shooting Data