LBN 437: Capturing the Gecko Nebula in HaRGB from Bortle 4.5 Skies

Prepare to be mesmerized by the LBN 437, affectionately nicknamed the "Gecko Nebula" for its striking resemblance to the reptile. Captured under the pristine Bortle 4.5 skies of Eastern Ontario, Canada, this image is a testament to the dedication and technical skill of deep-sky astrophotography.

A Journey Through the Cosmos

This breathtaking vista was meticulously acquired over two nights, totaling an impressive 5 hours and 18 minutes of exposure time. The photographer utilized a combination of RGB and Hydrogen-alpha (Ha) filters to paint this celestial masterpiece, allowing for the vibrant colors and intricate details of the nebula to truly shine.

The Gear Behind the Image

The pursuit of such celestial beauty requires specialized equipment. Here's a glimpse into the arsenal used:

• Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): Sharpstar 61 III APO OTA with a 0.75 focal reducer
• Mount: iOptron CEM40 mount
• Camera: QHY 268M with QHY FW3 filter wheel
• Guiding Setup: Svbony 60mm guide scope and ZWO 120MM-S camera

The Art of Post-Processing

Acquisition is only half the story. The intricate post-processing is where the raw data is transformed into a polished, awe-inspiring image. The workflow employed here, using PixInsight and Affinity Photo 2, is a sophisticated dance of calibration, alignment, noise reduction, and color enhancement:

1. Initial Processing: Images were cropped, and star alignment was performed.
2. Color Combination: RGB images were combined.
3. Detail Enhancement & Noise Reduction: BlurXterminator and GraXpert were applied to the RGB data. Stars were separated from both RGB and Ha images.
4. Ha Integration: The Ha data was combined into the starless RGB image.
5. Further Noise Reduction: NoiseXterminator was run on the starless image.
6. Stretching & Refinement: Starless and star images were stretched using SetiAstro scripts and GHS. Both were exported to TIFFs.
7. Final Touches: The TIFF files were combined in Affinity Photo 2 using layers for final adjustments and polishing.

This detailed approach ensures that every photon is utilized, and the final output is a harmonious blend of detail, color, and clarity, revealing the Gecko Nebula in all its glory.