A Stellar Showcase: The Lagoon and Trifid Nebulas in Widefield
Prepare to be mesmerized by a breathtaking widefield view of two iconic celestial wonders: the Lagoon Nebula (M8) and the Trifid Nebula (M20). This stunning capture, taken from the dark skies of New Zealand, reveals the intricate beauty and vastness of these star-forming regions.
These vibrant nebulae, often appearing together in the night sky, offer a glimpse into the dynamic processes of stellar birth and evolution. The Lagoon Nebula, a vast stellar nursery, glows with a rich red hue from ionized hydrogen, while the Trifid Nebula is characterized by its distinctive three-lobed structure and dark dust lanes.
Acquisition Details:
- Telescope: Askar FMA180Pro
- Mount: AVX
- Camera: ASI294MC
- Filter: ZWO UV/IR Cut
- Exposures: 172 x 120 inches (total 34.4 hours)
- Acquisition Software: ASI Studio
- Date Acquired: August 24-25, 2025
- Location: New Zealand
Processing Workflow:
- Stacking and Calibration: Automated Picture Processing (APP) was used for essential steps like correcting vignetting, handling light pollution, and calibrating star colors. It also performed star reduction and initial stretching, followed by saturation adjustments.
- Refinement and Sharpening: GraXpert was employed for noise removal and sharpening, bringing out the fine details within the nebulae. GIMP was used for final touches and overall image composition.
This image is a testament to the dedication and skill involved in modern astrophotography, bringing the grandeur of the cosmos closer to us all.
