Collecting  Photons

1600x1276

Objects:             VdB 143 (reflection nebula embedded in a large dust cloud)

Constellation:     Cepheus

Coordinates of field center: 21h 37m +61° 14'

Notes: VdB 143 is a moderately large reflection nebula encased in a huge dust complex. This cloud extends far away to the east (right side of the above image) reaching the Iris nebula (NGC 7023) over 3 degrees away. The central star (SAO 19532) is a B3V star of 8th mag.
 

Telescope and camera: ASA 10', f 3.6; SBIG STL 11000.

Exposure: Luminance 63x8'; R, 21x10'; B 20x10'; G 19x8'. About 18 hrs total.

Date: 5 nights on 4, 5-06-10 and 10, 12, 13-07-10.

Software used: acquisition, CCDsoft, FocusMax, CCDcommander, The Sky VI. Calibration; registration and stacking: CCDstack, Registar; processing: PixInsight, Photoshop CS. 

Processing notes: One problem with this kind of subjects is the large and faint dust luminescence, that requires a careful control of the image gradients, of the residual illumination artifacts and of the black point of the image. Here, there is some individual judgment to be applied. A major effort went into maintaining the correct star colors and in keeping them at bay while performing the very strong stretching required by the very faint dust background.

Copyright © 2010 by Gimmi Ratto. (August 22, 2010)