Capturing the Pelican Nebula: A Stunning View from Light-Polluted Skies
Astronomers and enthusiasts alike often dream of clear, dark skies to capture the wonders of the cosmos. However, this stunning image of the Pelican Nebula (IC5070) proves that even from a Bortle 8/9 location near Lisbon, Portugal, breathtaking results are possible with the right equipment and techniques.
The Gear Behind the Vision
This remarkable capture was made possible by a carefully selected array of astrophotography equipment:
- Telescope: William Optics UltraCAT 108/518mm f4.8
- Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM PRO
- Filters: Antlia 4.5nm HSO filters
- Mount: ZWO AM5N
- Tripod: Skytracker 1.75" steel tripod with ZWO 200mm pier extension
Overcoming Light Pollution
Operating from a Bortle 8/9 location presents significant challenges for astrophotography, with ambient light washing out faint celestial objects. However, the use of narrowband HSO filters (Hydrogen-alpha, Sulfur II, and Oxygen III) is crucial in isolating specific emission lines from the nebula, effectively cutting through the light pollution and revealing the intricate details of the Pelican Nebula.
Acquisition and Processing Details
The data for this image was acquired over a single night, demonstrating efficient and effective capturing:
- Exposures: 3 x 18 x 300-second sub-exposures
- Calibration Frames: 60 flats, 60 bias, 30 darks
The raw data was then expertly stacked and processed using Pixinsight, a powerful software suite renowned for its capabilities in astrophotography image enhancement. This meticulous process transforms the collected light into the vibrant and detailed image we see here.
The Pelican Nebula (IC5070)
The Pelican Nebula, officially cataloged as IC5070, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cygnus. It's a vast star-forming region, characterized by its unique shape that resembles a pelican with its beak open. The nebula is illuminated by the hot, young stars embedded within it, causing the surrounding gas and dust to glow.
