McBaine Burr Oak After Hours: A Celestial Spectacle
Even on a weeknight, with exhaustion creeping in, some opportunities are simply too good to pass up. This is a testament to that dedication – a breathtaking, multi-shot panorama of the iconic McBaine Burr Oak in central Missouri, bathed in the ethereal glow of winter's finest nebulae.
A Canvas of Cosmic Wonders
The sky above the venerable oak was a vibrant masterpiece, featuring the well-known Orion Nebula, the dramatic Horsehead Nebula, the sprawling California Nebula, the glittering Pleiades, and the delicate Rosette Nebula, among others. Each celestial body contributed its unique hue and texture to this grand composition.
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The Art of the Stitch
Assembling this panorama was no small feat. The process involved stitching together multiple frames to create a seamless and immersive view. The slight sleep deprivation was a small price to pay for the sheer awe inspired by the final result.
Technical Deep Dive
For those interested in the technicalities, here's a look at the equipment and settings used:
Equipment:
- Camera: Sony A7iii (astro-modified)
- Lens: Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM
- Mount: Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer
RGB Acquisition:
- 6-Panel Panorama
- 2 x 30s exposures per panel (tracked and stacked)
- f/2.0 aperture
- ISO 640
Ha (Hydrogen-alpha) Acquisition:
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6-Panel Panorama
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2 x 30s exposures per panel (tracked and stacked)
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Filter: HA clip-in filter used
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Focus: f/1.4 aperture
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Sensitivity: ISO 3200
The Ha data was acquired by repeating the same panoramic sequence with the HA filter attached. In post-processing, these Ha images were registered to the RGB panorama to ensure precise star alignment, enhancing the nebula details.
A Question for You
Would you push through exhaustion for a shot like this? Let us know in the comments below!
