This is the remnant of a super nova, a star that exploded about 40,000 years ago. The light from the explosion reached the Earth a few thousand years ago. Debris from the super nova created an enormous sphere of glowing gases that covers an area of the night sky larger than six full Moons, but is so dim that more that 20 hours of photographic exposures were needed to make this image. In this framing we are seeing about one third of the sphere. Astronomers call this the Spaghetti Nebula, but to me is looks like crackling electric discharge, Scarlet Lightning.
Gary Lopez is a fine art astrophotographer. His images have received recognition in international fine art photography competition and his work is represented by Gallery Sur, Carmel, CA, USA. Gary is also a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and scientist. He has produced more than 40 documentary films and series, including television programs for Jacques Cousteau and his son, Jean-Michel Cousteau. His programs have been broadcast nationally in the United States, distributed through out Europe and Asia, and have received many awards for excellence.
Awards Nominee, Nature, International Color Awards, 2022
First Place, Nature, International Photography Awards, 2021
Honorable Mention(3), Nature, International Photography Awards, 2021
Honorable Mention, Nature, Black & White Spider Awards, 2021
Nominee, Nature, International Color Awards, 2021
First Place, Nature, International Photography Awards, 2020
Honorable Mention, Nature, International Photography Awards, 2020
Honorable Mention, Abstract, Black & White Spider Awards, 2020
Honorable Mention, Nature, Black & White Spider Awards, 2020
Nominee (2), Nature, International Color Awards, 2019
Honorable Mention (2), Nature, International Color Awards, 2019
