NGC 6188: The Fighting Dragons of Ara in SHO Palette with RGB Stars

Prepare to be captivated by the majestic beauty of NGC 6188, an emission nebula commonly referred to as the Rim Nebula or the more evocative 'Fighting Dragons of Ara.' This incredible capture showcases the nebula in a striking SHO palette, with the vibrant colors revealing the underlying chemical composition of this celestial wonder.

Unveiling the Dragons: The SHO Palette

In this particular image, the classic SHO (Sulphur, Hydrogen, Oxygen) false-color palette has been employed, mapping the emission lines to specific colors:

• Sulphur (SII): Mapped to Red
• Hydrogen (Ha): Mapped to Green
• Oxygen (OIII): Mapped to Blue

This technique, reminiscent of famous Hubble Space Telescope images, allows us to visualize the distribution of these key elements, painting a picture of ongoing star formation and the energetic processes within the nebula.

The Technical Journey: From Backyard to PixInsight

Capturing such a detailed image requires dedicated equipment and meticulous processing. Here's a look at the technical specifications behind this remarkable photograph:

Imaging Setup:

• Imaging Scope: APM TMB-LZOS 152/1200 at 900 FL (M82 Riccardi Reducer)
• Imaging Camera: ASI 2600MM
• Mount: iOptron CEM120EC2
• Guiding: OAG with ASI 174MM camera
• Filters: Baader Ha, SII, and OIII (for the SHO palette)
• Focuser: Feathertouch
• Other: ZWO 7-Position filter wheel

Acquisition Details:

• Location: Flaxton, Queensland, Australia (captured from a backyard dome)
• Acquisition Dates: July 2, 3, 4, 2025
• Sub-exposures: 20 minutes each
• Total Integration Time:
  • Ha: 8 hours
  • SII: 6 hours
  • OIII: 6 hours
  • Grand Total: 20 hours

Processing:

The raw data was captured using ekos/indi and then meticulously processed in PixInsight, leveraging advanced tools like the XTerminator suite to bring out the finest details and achieve this stunning final result.

A Glimpse into the Past

For those who appreciate the celestial artistry of this region of the sky, the author previously captured the 'Dragon's Egg,' encompassing NGC 6164 and NGC 6165, located 'below' and to the 'right' of NGC 6188. You can view that remarkable image and its details .

This image of NGC 6188 is a testament to the power of modern astrophotography, combining cutting-edge technology with skilled processing to reveal the universe's hidden wonders.