A flamboyant scene about 4,000 ly away in Ara captured in an 8 hour exposure. The small bright open cluster NGC6193 contains both O and B stars. While it energizes the wide emission nebula NGC6188 spread out below it, the cluster also powers a beautiful, soft blue reflection nebula immediately surrounding it.

The scene also contains something out of a Harry Potter saga. The emission nebula has been given the name “The Fighting Dragons of Ara”. Locate the “eyes” of the confronting dragon heads by finding the brightest red star on the far right, and the double red one on the left side.

PlaneWave 12.5″ Astrograph with an ST11000 camera, Astrodon filters, and ASA gearless DDM-85 mount. F/5 LRGB (39/8min L, 6/8min each 2×2 RGB).