TITLE: Force of Nature

In our Milkyway galaxy clouds of gases and dust are bombarded by energy from stars causing the gases to become ionized and emit light. This series explores three deep space nebulae and the nearby stars that energize them.

The images capture the light emissions of hydrogen gas from these nebula using astrophotography equipment (telescope, filter, camera). Each image is an accumulation of multiple 5-minute exposures for total exposure times ranging from 2 to 8 hours.

AUTHOR: Peter Hergesheimer (United States)

My imagination was captured by photography and astronomy at an early age when I got my first telescope and borrowed my grandfather's SLR. Soon after, I setup a darkroom in my bedroom and was loading my own film cartridges. My profession went in another direction with degrees in Electrical Engineering and a career in wireless technologies.

Through much of my life, I have melded photography with many of my other interests: astronomy, SCUBA diving, backpacking and travel. I love the beauty and imagery of the natural world and enjoy capturing it and sharing it with others.