Rho Ophiuchus Complex is one of the closest active star forming region near us at a distance of about 460 light years. The region straddles the constellation of Ophiuchus and Scorpius. The region has variety of nebulae that is rich in its display of colors.
Seen in the picture are the following components of the complex:
1. ρ Ophiuchi at the right of the large blue area (IC 4604)
2. Antares in the large yellow area and Sigma Scorpii in the reddish Sh2-9 area
3. M4 – A globular cluster at the top-left of the photo
4. Central dark nebula under the star ρ Ophiuchi
This complex has very rich and interesting scientific relevance as it provides us details on star and planet formations.
Spectroscopic observations of the region reveal a rich chemistry in the molecular clouds. Complex organic molecules and various chemical compounds are found, shedding light on the chemical processes occurring in the interstellar medium.[Link] These organic molecules and compounds form the building block of life formation.
Much of the activity in the region is hidden from optical telescopes due to the dense dust clouds. Infrared observations are crucial for peering through this obscuring material and revealing the hidden processes within. The presence of proto-stellar disks and circumstellar material around young stars in in this region provides insights into the early stages of planet formation[Link].
Polarimetric observations of the region’s scattered light reveal information about the alignment of dust grains. Understanding the polarization properties helps researchers infer the magnetic field structure in the region, providing additional insights into the star formation process[Link].
About the photograph:
Rho Ophiuchus Complex is not as it appears in the summer-time skies. Our eyes, even with the aid of large telescopes cannot capture the vivid colors. The photograph is a 2 pane mosaic resulting in a 140-megapixel image. The image on the website is a lower resolution version of it due to its sheer size.Also, this complex takes a very wide area of the sky so it is not easy to capture the whole complex. With our new Takahshi FSQ 106 (F/5) and ZWO ASI6200MM camera provides us an opportunity to capture a wide part of the skies. Even then, the entire area would take 4×4 mosaics (8 times more area than this photograph).
We took the images from one of the darkest locations in California during the summer of 2023.
Rho Ophiuchus Complex
Catalogue Name
Constellations: Ophiuchus, Scorpius
Distance (Light Years) 460 LY
Photographic Information
Exposure: 2 panel mosaic with LRGB data
Equipment: Takahashi FSQ 106EDX4, Orion Atlas EQG, ZWO ASI6200MM
Processing: Astro Pixel Processor, Pixinsight, Lightroom
Imaging Location: Likely, CA
