EarthSky Community Photos

Submit your photo here. Comment or upvote on photo pages. Search via photographers' names. More improvements coming! To help, please donate.

James Carroll
Conway Arkansas USA
07/25/2022
11:00 pm

Equipment Details:

Skywatcher EQ6 R pro
Antlia narrowband 3nm SII, OIII, Ha filters
Stellarvue 130t-r (910mm focal length)
ZWO 1600mm pro
ZWO Electronic filter wheel
Optec ThirdLynx QuickSync FTX40
ZWO ASI290MM Mini guide camera
William Optics 50mm UniGuide Scope

Post-processing Details:

I processed this with straight SHO format (Sulfur II emission mapped to the red channel, Hydrogen Alpha emission mapped to the green, and Oxygen III emission to the blue channel). The biggest process that was used is dynamic back ground extraction in pixinsight. It brings out so much of the nebulosity that is masked by light pollution. Other than that this was mostly stretched, saturation boosted slightly.

Image Details:

The clouds parted, and the moon set so I turned my eye to the great Cygnus Wall (the Mexico part of the North America Nebula). I setup last week to image the OIII and Ha data, but unfortunately the forecast showed clouds the remained of the dark nights. However, a last minute look at the forecast for last night showed clear skies! The clouds parted long enough for me to gather the final data on this image (SII frames). This region in particular is focused on the dark nebula B355. I am fascinated by these nebula as they bring such stark contrast in the nebulosity. I find it hauntingly beautiful. There is nothing quite like seeing the details and color's pop when you get to work on an image. There is always a thrill seeing what will come next. I hope you enjoy.

2024 EarthSky Fundraiser

Any amount will help us reach our goal.

Would you consider

donating?

If you've already donated, we apologize for the popup and greatly appreciate your support.