The Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex is a complex of interstellar clouds with different nebulae in the constellation Ophiuchus. At an estimated distance of 460 light years, it is one of the closest star-forming regions to the Solar System.
Rho Ophiuchi with the main dark nebula Lynds 1688 (and further L1689), ρ Ophiuchi at the center of the large blue area (IC 4604), Antares in the large yellow area and Sigma Scorpii in the redish Sh2-9 area.
| Object | Rho Ophiuchi Cloud |
| Constellation: | Ophiuchus |
| Position: |
RA 16h 30m 12s / Dec -25° 06' 54'' |
| Apparent Size: | 4.5° × 6.5° |
| Apparent Magnitude: | |
| Distance in light years: | 460 ly |
| Photo Data | |
| Date: | 14./15./17.03.2021 |
| Location: | El Sauce Observatory Chile (2500m ASL) GPS: 47°36’13“ N, 10°11’24“ E |
| Telescope: | CHI-5-CCD: Nikon f2.0/200mm |
| Camera: | FLI ML 16200, 6 μm, 4500x3600px, @ T sensor = -20°C |
| Field of View: | 7.9° x 6.3° |
| Pixel Scale/Resolution: | 6.3 arcsec/px |
| Expose frames/times: | R 18x300s, G 19x300s, B 18x300s |
| Total expose: | 4h 35m |
| Filter: | Astrodon RGB 2GEN |
| Mount: | 10 Micron GM1000HPs German equatorial mount |
| Software: | Siril 1.4, Photoshop CC |
| Remarks: |
© 2025 Peter Cerveny