NGC 7380: Unveiling the Wizard Nebula with Stunning Detail

This week, we're diving deep into the cosmos to explore the breathtaking beauty of NGC 7380, affectionately known as the Wizard Nebula. Captured over two nights with an impressive total integration time of 465 minutes (7 hours and 45 minutes), this image showcases the intricate details and vibrant colors of this fascinating celestial object.

The acquisition strategy involved spreading the integration equally across SII, H-alpha, and OIII narrowband filters, using 300-second exposures for each. Despite challenging conditions, including a 97% and 91% moon phase and high humidity, the result is nothing short of spectacular.

The Journey from Raw Data to Stunning Image

Transforming raw astronomical data into a polished image is a meticulous process. Here's a glimpse into the workflow employed, using PixInsight and Affinity Photo 2:

Acquisition Details:

• Integration Time: 465 minutes (7h 45m)
• Exposure per frame: 300 seconds
• Filters: SII, H-alpha, OIII (equally spread)
• Conditions: 97% and 91% moon phase, high humidity

Processing Pipeline:

PixInsight:

• Stacked using the Weighted Batch Processing Prescription (WBPP) script.
• Individual channel processing (SII, H-alpha, OIII) included:
  • GraXpert for background extraction
  • BlurXterminator for deblurring
  • NoiseXterminator for noise reduction
  • Seti Astro statistical stretch for histogram adjustment
  • StarXterminator to separate stars from nebulosity
• Foraxx Utility script was used to combine the channels into a color image and manage stars.
• Local Histogram Equalization (LHE) was applied to the H-alpha layer in two iterations, using both large and small kernel sizes to enhance local contrast.

Affinity Photo 2:

• The processing continued in Affinity Photo 2, with layers arranged from bottom to top:
  • Base color image from Foraxx Utility.
  • Color noise reduction applied.
  • H-alpha layer blended as Luminance.
  • H-alpha layer with LHE blended as Soft Light at 25% opacity to subtly enhance details.
  • Curve adjustments to refine the tonal range.
  • Selective color adjustments to fine-tune hues.
  • A high-pass filter derived from the H-alpha + LHE blend was applied as Soft Light to further accentuate fine structures.
  • Vibrance adjustments to boost saturation overall, with a slight decrease in saturation on darker pixels to prevent clipping.
  • Finally, the stars from Foraxx were added back using the Screen blend mode, with a curve transform applied for final refinement.

Equipment Used:

The pursuit of such stunning astrophotography relies on capable equipment. Here's what was used for this capture:

• OTA: Skywatcher 130PDS Newtonian
• Camera and Filter Wheel: QHY minicam8
• Guiding: WO Uniguide 50 + ASI224MC + UV/IR cut filter
• Mount: Hypertuned HEQ5 with Rowan belt mod
• Control System: Morefine M9 mini PC, Pegasus Astro Powerbox micro
• Capture Software: NINA

The Result:

The final image of NGC 7380 is a testament to the dedication and skill involved in modern astrophotography. The intricate tendrils of gas and dust, illuminated by the young stars within, are beautifully rendered, making the "Wizard Nebula" live up to its name.

It's truly inspiring to see such detailed and vibrant images of the universe brought to us by passionate astrophotographers. What celestial wonders will we explore next?