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06/17/2023
10:00 pm

Equipment Details:

Equipment
Sky-Watcher Esprit 80ED · William Optics Gran Turismo 81iv / GT81iv
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro · ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 2" · Antlia 3nm Narrowband Oxygen III 2" · Optolong L-Pro 2" · Optolong L-Ultimate 2"
William Optics 0.8x Flattener/Reducer APO · ZWO ASIAIR Pro · ZWO EAF · ZWO EFW 7 x 2″ · ZWO Filter Drawer (M42) · ZWO OAG (Off-Axis Guider)
Adobe Photoshop · Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight
Acquisition details
Dates:
June 15, 2023 · June 16, 2023 · June 17, 2023 · June 18, 2023
Frames:
Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 2": 30×600″(5h)
Antlia 3nm Narrowband Oxygen III 2": 65×600″(10h 50′)
Optolong L-Pro 2": 55×300″(4h 35′)
Optolong L-Ultimate 2": 65×600″(10h 50′)
Integration:31h 15′
Avg. Moon age:21.01 days
Avg. Moon phase:2.71%
Basic astrometry details
Astrometry.net job: 7926337
RA center: 21h11m47s.5
DEC center: +59°57′32″
Pixel scale: 2.469 arcsec/pixel
Orientation: 290.222 degrees
Field radius: 0.993 degrees
Credit : Hafedh Driss & Makrem Larnaout

Image Details:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗱

An extraordinary astrophotography expedition in collaboration with Mr. Hafedh Driss, as we set out to capture a challenging target: the Giant Squid. Over the course of four consecutive nights, we embarked on a mission to collect data using two different telescopes: the William Optics GT81 and the SkyWatcher ED80 Esprit.
Underneath a magnificent sky adorned with excellent transparency, our focus was to capture the elusive Giant Squid using narrowband filters. We specifically targeted the Ha (Hydrogen-alpha) and O3 (Oxygen III) wavelengths, which would allow us to highlight the intricate details of this celestial wonder. To ensure accuracy and depth in our final image, we complemented the narrowband data with RGB (Red, Green, Blue) exposures of the surrounding stars.
The post-processing stage of our adventure took place in Pixinsight, where we meticulously calibrated, aligned, and integrated the collected data. This step was crucial in bringing out the subtle nuances and revealing the hidden beauty of the Giant Squid against the backdrop of a stunning cosmic canvas.
Our collaboration with Mr. Hafedh Driss added an extra dimension to this astrophotographic endeavor, bringing together expertise, passion, and a shared vision. Together, we persevered through challenging conditions, leveraging the capabilities of the William Optics GT81 and the SkyWatcher ED80 Esprit telescopes to capture an awe-inspiring celestial spectacle.
The outcome of our collective efforts is a testament to the wonders that lie within the realm of astrophotography, where technical precision and artistic vision harmonize to create captivating images that unveil the mysteries of the universe. We invite you to embark on this visual journey, where the beauty of the Giant Squid and the celestial tapestry it inhabits await your exploration.