Welcome to a site devoted to images obtained from the Digitized Sky Survey (DSS2). Although the DSS2 has many scientific uses, it is also a source of aesthetically appealing images. These images are B&W renditions taken through red, blue and infrared filters. Individually, the images are impressive. But when combined into color pictures, they are really remarkable.

In fact, in my opinion, the images presented in this site are among the most striking of any produced by professional or amateur sources. The original versions (not watered-down for web presentation) rival many of the Hubble images in sharpness and definition, except they are generally wider-field versions. I hope you will enjoy these images as much as I do.

Please check out the Pelican Nebula in Series 1, which I believe is particularly inspiring, as well as the Andromeda Galaxy and the Rosette Nebula. Series 2 looks at some obscure objects, emphasizing relatively faint nebulosity amid the Cygnus Milky Way. Featured are some objects that I have never seen imaged individually before, including DWB41 in Cygnus and Sharpless 126 in Lacerta.

Series 3 contains some very spectacular images as well. The Horsehead and the Butterfly Nebulae are highlights here. Note the intricate nebulosity around M45. Finally, Series 4 contains images that I initially rejected, until I realized that they probably rival some of the best of the objects in question.

  







See my version of the Pelican Nebula in "Astronomy Picture of the Day" (APOD) for November 30th 2006, here.

I will have an upcoming article in Astronomy Magazine describing how I created these images. I will include the article in this site as soon as it is published. Please check back later if you are interested in my techniques.

I look forward to hearing your comments. Please address them here.

Credits: All images are based on photographic data obtained using the Oschin Schmidt Telescope on Palomar Mountain. The Oschin Schmidt Telescope is operated by the California Institute of Technology and Palomar Observatory. The Digitized Sky Survey was produced at the Space Telescope Science Institute (ST ScI) under U.S. Government grant NAG W-2166.

Note: All images presented in this site are © Charles Shahar (2006). Reproduction or distribution of these images is not permitted without the written consent of the owner of this site.