The Iris Nebula: A Celestial Jewel from Zion National Park
This stunning image captures the intricate beauty of the Iris Nebula, a reflection nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. What makes this capture particularly special is its origin: the dark, pristine skies of Zion National Park, a location renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Imaging Details
Achieving such a detailed and vibrant image requires meticulous planning and execution. Here's a breakdown of the integration process and the equipment used:
Integration
| Filter | Subframes | Total Time | Date | Moon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lum | 34x120" | 1h 8' | 19 Jul | 33% |
| R | 22x120" | 44' | 19 Jul | 33% |
| G | 31x120" | 1h 2' | 19 Jul | 33% |
| B | 23x120" | 46' | 19 Jul | 33% |
| Total | 3h 40' | 19 Jul | 33% |
Imaging Equipment
- Telescope: William Optics Redcat 71 WIFD
- Camera: ZWO ASI6200MM Pro
- Mount: ZWO AM5N
- Filters: Optolong Blue 2", Optolong Green 2", Optolong Luminance 2", Optolong Red 2"
- Accessories: ZWO ASIAIR Plus, ZWO EAF, ZWO EFW 7 x 2", ZWO TC40
Guiding Equipment
- Guiding Optics: William Optics UniGuide 32
- Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI220MM Mini
Processing Software
The post-processing was handled with advanced software to bring out the full detail and color:
- Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight
- Russell Croman Astrophotography BlurXTerminator
- Russell Croman Astrophotography NoiseXTerminator
This combination of powerful equipment and cutting-edge software allowed for the capture of the subtle structures and vibrant colors within the Iris Nebula, all thanks to the dark skies of Zion National Park. It's a testament to the dedication of astrophotographers and the beauty that can be revealed when we look up at the night sky.
