M15 in Pegasus: A Globular Cluster Captured from Light-Polluted Skies
Even under the challenging conditions of Bortle 8 skies, dedicated astrophotographers can still capture stunning deep-sky objects. Today, we're diving into the image of M15 in Pegasus, a beautiful globular cluster that demonstrates the power of persistence and clever processing.
Equipment and Acquisition
The image above was captured using a 130mm f5 telescope paired with a modified Canon T2i camera. The dataset consists of 130 light frames, each with an exposure time of 8 seconds at ISO 1600. To combat noise, 20 dark frames were also acquired.
The Processing Pipeline
Achieving this level of detail from a Bortle 8 environment is a testament to a robust processing workflow. The captured data was meticulously processed using a series of powerful tools:
- Siril: This versatile open-source software was the primary processing engine, handling the initial calibration, stacking, and noise reduction.
- StarNet++: Essential for removing stars from the image, allowing for better control over the galaxy's background and structure.
- Graxpert: Used to address gradient issues often present in images taken under light-polluted skies.
- Cosmic Clarity: Further enhancements were made to sharpen and refine the details of the globular cluster.
- Adobe Lightroom: Finally, the image received its finishing touches in Lightroom, focusing on color balance, contrast, and overall visual appeal.
This showcase of M15 is a great example of what's possible with accessible equipment and a commitment to learning advanced processing techniques. It inspires us all to look up, even from our backyards, and capture the wonders of the cosmos.
