After we spotted these photos on the East and West Molesey Group on Facebook, we couldn't help but ask West Molesey resident Craig Allnutt if we could post a blog about them and how he was able to capture these spectacular images.

How long have you lived in Molesey?

"I live in Hight Street, West Molesey and moved to Molesey from Addleston around 5 years ago when I married my partner."

How were you able to capture these images?

"With a celestron telescope and dedicated astro camera. Each picture can take anywhere from 3-15 hours of total exposure time."

What sparked your interest in astronomy?

"I first got into astronomy when my Dad showed me Haley's Comet outside our house back in the 80's. I started just by imaging the moon and planets and then about two years ago, I decided to take the plunge in to deep sace photography"

What is you favourite thing about living in Molesey?

"I would have to say the people, it seems like a close community and there is always something to do such as taking a stroll by The River Thames or visiting Hampton Court Palace and the surrounding gardens."

Below are the images Craig posted on line, we hope you find them as interesting as we did!

The Elephant Trunk Nebula

Located some 2400 light years away (1 light year is around 5.88 trillion miles) in the constellation Cepheus.

Rosette Nebula

Located 5,000 light years from Earth this nebula has an approximate diameter of 50 light years.

The Orion Nebula

One of the brightest nebulae in The Milky Way, this nebula is 24 light years wide and can be seen with the naked eye from Earth.

The Heart Nebula

At 7500 light years away, the Heart Nebula is located in the constellation Cassiopeia. The intense red output is generated by radiation eminated from a small group of stars near its centre