The most recent image taken of the Orion Nebula by the Hubble Space Telescope.Another shot of the Hubble image revealing arcs and bubbles formed by stellar windsA New View of the Universe

Some folks use their backyards for more than just cookouts - such as Cumberland astronomer Paul Howell from the Southern Maine Astronomy organization. Howell treated Cape astronomy students to the use of his backyard astronomy "lab" complete with his telescope's stand-alone shed with its sliding roof that opens to allow the night sky to be photographed like never before. Using this equipment along with special filters, the students were able to capture and analyze photos of deep space objects that are very, very far away and extremely dim.

Pictured is Natalie Cohen as she explained the photographic process she and fellow students learned in her CEHS astronomy class using a CEEF-funded CCD Imaging Camera. Kerry Kertes, CEHS science teacher, explained that "The camera not only allowed our students to peer into the night sky and see objects that could not be seen with the naked eye, but allowed our students to collect and analyze data from the far reaches of the universe. This process gave them a better understanding of how our planet fits into the bigger scheme and greater appreciation of the complexities of the universe firsthand." The photos taken were featured in an astronomy photography exhibit at the Thomas Memorial Library this spring. The collaboration with SMA will continue into the next school year.