Cocoon Nebula and Tail: A Backyard Astrophotography Gem

Prepare to be mesmerized by the ethereal glow of the Cocoon Nebula, also known as IC 5146, as captured by a dedicated astrophotographer right from their backyard in Central New York.

This spectacular image showcases the intricate details and vibrant colors of the nebula, with its distinct 'tail' trailing behind. The photographer utilized a sophisticated setup to bring this celestial wonder to life:

Equipment and Acquisition:

• Telescope: AT90EDX with a 1x flattener
• Mount: AM5
• Camera: Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera
• Acquisition: 140 guided subs, each 240 seconds long, along with calibration frames.

Processing:

The raw data was meticulously stacked and initially processed using Siril, a powerful open-source astrophotography software. Further refinements and enhancements were carried out in Photoshop, bringing out the subtle details and rich colors of the Cocoon Nebula.

This image is a testament to the passion and skill involved in backyard astrophotography, demonstrating that breathtaking views of the cosmos are accessible with the right equipment and dedication.