Capturing a Celestial Spectacle: NGC 7331 and the Luminous SN 2025rbs
This breathtaking image showcases the grandeur of the galaxy NGC 7331, but the true star of this celestial tableau is the supernova designated SN 2025rbs. Discovered on July 14, 2025, by the GOTO survey and swiftly classified as a Type Ia supernova, SN 2025rbs blazed into prominence, becoming the brightest supernova visible in our sky by late July.
The Equipment and The Night Sky
This incredible capture was made possible by a dedicated setup and challenging observing conditions, imaged over two consecutive nights near Cherry Springs State Park, PA.
- Telescope: Celestron Edge HD 8" (2032mm focal length, f/10)
- Camera: ASI2600mm with Antlia 3nm Ha and Antlia RGB filters
- Mount: AM5 mount
- Guiding: OAG with ASI174mm mini
Acquisition Details: A Deep Dive
The total integration time for this image was an impressive 13.5 hours, meticulously gathered across multiple filters:
- Luminance (L): 14 x 300s, 9 x 600s
- Red (R): 8 x 300s, 17 x 600s
- Green (G): 18 x 300s, 7 x 600s
- Blue (B): 18 x 300s, 6 x 600s
- Hydrogen-alpha (Ha): 3 x 600s, 4 x 1800s
Processing: Bringing Out the Detail
The raw data was meticulously processed using Pixinsight, employing a suite of advanced techniques to bring out the fine details and colors:
- SPFC, MGC, BGN, SPCC, BXT, SXT, NXT, GHS, SelectiveColorCorrection, Curves, ImageBlend
The Supernova's Brilliance
Here's a zoomed-in view highlighting the spectacular SN 2025rbs:
Insights on Equipment and Technique
Regarding the performance of the AM5 mount with the C8 at f/10, the data speaks for itself. While the AM5 is often recommended for shorter focal lengths, the success here, including stable 1800-second exposures, is attributed to meticulous polar alignment and drift alignment in PHD2 to achieve near-perfect tracking. This demonstrates that with careful setup and execution, even longer focal lengths can be managed effectively.
For more details on this specific capture, please refer to the Astrobin link:
This image is a testament to the dedication and skill of the astrophotographer, bringing the wonders of the universe into sharp focus and sharing a rare, luminous event with us all.
