M27 - The Dumbbell Nebula Captured from Sicily
Here's my latest attempt at capturing the magnificent Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 27 (M27). This celestial wonder is located approximately 1360 light-years away from Earth and is estimated to be around 9800 years old. Its proximity to our galactic plane means the final image is often rich with foreground and background stars, adding to its visual appeal.
This shot was taken from my home village, Sommatino, located in the center of Sicily, Italy. I'm fortunate to live in a Bortle 4 zone, which significantly aids in capturing fainter details in deep-sky objects. For those planning a trip to Sicily and dreaming of clearer skies, I can highly recommend exploring areas around the Madonie or Nebrodi parks for even darker observing conditions.
Equipment and Processing Details:
- Camera: ASI 294MC pro
- Telescope: Skywatcher 150pds
- Mount: Skywatcher EQ 3.5 pro
- Coma Corrector: GSO 2''
- Filter: Svbony 1.25" UV IR Cut Filter
- Autoguiding: Svbony SV106 scope + Svbony SV305 Pro Camera
- Lights: 100 shots x 180 seconds
- Processing Software: PixInsight and Photoshop
The Image:
I'm really pleased with how this image turned out, especially considering the equipment used. The vibrant colors and the intricate details of the nebula are a testament to the beauty that can be found when we look up at the night sky, even from closer to home.
Clear skies to all!
