Clouds of glowing gas stand at the top of the Northern Cross. The dark band between the "east coast" and the Pelican is partially formed by obscuring dust and gas.

Astro-Physics 105mm (4.1 inch) refractor at f4.5. Three twenty-five minute exposures on gas-hypersensitized Kodak Supra 400 color negative film. August 8, 2002 from Speculator, NY. © 2002