Journey into the IC 1396 Complex: A HSO Color Revelation

Nebulas are the cosmic canvases that truly showcase the artistry of the universe. Today, we're taking a deep dive into the breathtaking IC 1396 complex, not in the typical SHO palette, but rendered in a captivating HSO color scheme. This approach brings a unique impact and contrast, offering a fresh perspective on this celestial marvel.

Capturing the Cosmic Tapestry: Acquisition Details

The journey to this image was a significant undertaking, spanning a total of 19 hours of integration time. The equipment behind this shot includes:

• Optical Tube Assembly: Sharpstar 61 III APO OTA
• Camera: ToupTek ATR2600C (IMX571 sensor) color camera
• Mount: iOptron CEM40 mount
• Filters: Askar D1/D2 duo-narrowband filters (D1: 8.5h, D2: 10.5h)

The Art of Processing: From Raw Data to Masterpiece

The processing pipeline for this image is as intricate as the nebula itself. It involved a sophisticated workflow using industry-standard software:

1. Stacking and Initial Processing: The image data was meticulously stacked in PixInsight. Each filter image underwent specific calibrations and background extraction using GraXpert.
2. Channel Extraction and Star Removal: The DBXtract script was employed to extract individual HA, SII, and OIII channels. Subsequently, StarXterminator was used to remove stars, allowing for more focused processing of the nebular details.
3. Color Combination and Refinement: The starless channels were combined using a custom script to create the HSO palette. Initial stretching was performed using SetiAstro's statistical stretch, followed by GHS and Curves for further refinement. NoiseXterminator was applied to further enhance the signal-to-noise ratio.
4. Advanced Refinements in Affinity Photo 2 and Darktable: The starless image was then brought into Affinity Photo 2 for frequency separation and sharpening of high-frequency details. Finally, Darktable was used for the last touches and final tweaks, bringing the image to its current stunning state.

Your Thoughts?

This HSO rendition offers a different, yet equally impactful, view of the IC 1396 complex compared to the more common SHO palette. We're curious to hear your thoughts on this color choice! Does it enhance the visual experience for you?

We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the wonders of the cosmos!