> wondering if it's true to the human eye Not really connected to your main question, but here goes - The point is moot in the case of the Horsehead Nebula. T

> wondering if it's true to the human eye Not really connected to your main question, but here goes - The point is moot in the case of the Horsehead Nebula. The image is so dim (in the eyepiece of a telescope) that the human eye cannot perceive colour. Also, it's a lot smaller in the eyepiece than most people expect - so it's pretty easy to miss.