Capturing the Bubble Nebula from a Bortle 8/9 Backyard!
Even with the challenges of a light-polluted Bortle 8/9 sky, it's still possible to capture breathtaking deep-sky objects. In this post, I'm excited to share my recent capture of the magnificent Bubble Nebula, taken right from my own backyard!
Overcoming Light Pollution
Many aspiring astrophotographers are deterred by light pollution. However, with the right equipment and processing techniques, it's definitely possible to achieve impressive results even from urban environments. My setup for this capture was specifically chosen to help mitigate the effects of the bright city sky.
Equipment and Filters
- Telescope: Carbonstar 150
- Camera: ZWO ASI585C
- Filters: ASkar D1 and D2 filters
The ASkar D1 and D2 filters are excellent for isolating specific emission lines, which is crucial for bringing out the detail in nebulae like the Bubble Nebula, especially when fighting against the broad spectrum of light pollution.
The Processing Journey
Acquiring the data was just the first step. The real magic happens in post-processing. I dedicated two nights to integration, gathering as much signal as possible. The raw data was then stacked and meticulously processed using PixInsight. This powerful software allowed me to:
- Calibrate and stack the individual light frames.
- Perform background neutralization and color calibration.
- Utilize advanced noise reduction techniques.
- Enhance the details of the nebula and its surrounding gas clouds.
It's always a rewarding experience to see a faint nebula come to life after hours of careful work, especially when you've overcome the challenges of shooting from a suburban or urban setting.
A Look at the Bubble Nebula
The Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cassiopeia. It's approximately 11,000 light-years away and is formed by a massive star (BD+60°2522) that is shedding its outer layers. The stellar wind from this star creates the large bubble-like structure we see.
Final Thoughts
I hope this glimpse into capturing the Bubble Nebula inspires anyone struggling with light pollution to keep experimenting and pushing their astrophotography boundaries. Don't let a Bortle 8 or 9 sky hold you back – with the right approach, the universe is still within reach!
