NGC 7822: A Celestial 'Question Mark' Captured with Nikon D750
When clear skies finally graced us on Friday night, I couldn't resist the opportunity to image the magnificent NGC 7822, affectionately nicknamed the "Question Mark Nebula." This iconic region of star formation is a true marvel, and capturing it with my astromodified Nikon D750 was a rewarding experience.
The Imaging Process
Achieving this shot involved a dedicated setup and careful execution. Here's a breakdown of the acquisition and processing details:
Equipment Used:
- Telescope: Redcat 51
- Mount: Skywatcher Star Adventurer 2i
- Camera: Nikon D750 (astromodified)
- Autoguiding: ASIAIR Plus with Autoguiding
Acquisition Details:
- Lights: 55 frames x 180 seconds (Initially captured 80, but 25 were lost due to cloud cover)
- Darks: 20 frames x 180 seconds
- Bias: 20 frames
- Flats: 40 frames
Processing:
The collected data was meticulously stacked and processed using PixInsight to bring out the intricate details and vibrant colors of NGC 7822.
Behold, the Question Mark Nebula!
Here is the resulting image, showcasing the stunning details of NGC 7822:
NGC 7822 is a vast emission nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. It's a region of intense star formation, home to some of the hottest and most massive stars in our galaxy. The prominent structure that gives it the nickname "Question Mark Nebula" is a fascinating testament to the dynamic processes at play within such cosmic nurseries.
It's always a privilege to share these glimpses into the universe. I hope you enjoy this image as much as I enjoyed capturing it!