Local Astrophotographer’s Image Featured by NASA
**Massimo di Fusco**’s photo of the “giant calamaro nebula” earns prestigious recognition.
A stunning image captured by **Massimo di Fusco**, a passionate astrophotographer from Ferrara, has been selected as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD). His extraordinary shot of the Ou4 nebula, also known as the “giant calamaro nebula,” was featured on July 5th, 2025, marking a significant achievement.
The Award-Winning Image
The photograph, taken near **Quacio** with a **Kion 200/1000** Newtonian telescope, showcases the mesmerizing Ou4 nebula. Characterized by the blue glow of doubly ionized oxygen, the nebula is enveloped by the SH2-129 emission nebula. Current theories suggest that OU4 is approximately 2,300 light years away, propelled by a system of three massive stars, HR8119.
From Chemistry to Cosmos
**Di Fusco**, born in **Funds (LT) in 1983**, earned a doctorate in chemistry from La Sapienza University of Rome in 2010. In 2011, he moved to **Bologna** for a research position, and now works in quality control in the cosmetic sector. During the 2020 lockdown, **Massimo** rekindled his childhood passion for astronomy.
I dusted off my old telescope, bought in 2001 as a teenager, and I started photographing the sky from the balcony
, he says.
A Rising Star in Astrophotography
Since then, **Massimo** has captured over 300 shots and received numerous awards both nationally and internationally, establishing himself as a respected figure among astrophiles. His images can be viewed on his Facebook profile and the Astrobin platform. According to a recent study, the astrophotography market is projected to reach $2.12 billion by 2032, highlighting the growing interest in capturing the beauty of the night sky (Allied Market Research).
Recognition for Italian Astrophiles
The publication of **Di Fusco**’s image on NASA’s APOD page is an extraordinary achievement, not only for him but also for the entire Italian community of astrophiles. It acknowledges their passion, competence, and ability to observe the sky, even from a balcony in Ferrara.
