Sharpless 2-115/116: A Glimpse into Cygnus

Nebulae are often the jewels of the night sky, and the pair known as Sharpless 2-115 and Sharpless 2-116 are no exception. Located in the rich star fields of the constellation Cygnus, near the brilliant star Deneb, these emission nebulae offer a captivating spectacle for astronomers and astrophotographers alike.

Understanding the Nebulae

• Sharpless 2-115 (Sh2-115): This is a large and rather faint emission nebula, often requiring long exposure times and careful processing to reveal its full extent and delicate structures.
• Sharpless 2-116 (Sh2-116): Initially suspected of being a planetary nebula, Sh2-116 is confirmed as a smaller, more compact emission nebula with a distinctly round appearance.

Together, these nebulae paint a beautiful picture within the constellation known for its swan-like appearance.

The Art of Capture: Technical Details

Capturing such celestial wonders requires a blend of advanced equipment and meticulous processing. Here's a breakdown of the gear and techniques used to bring Sh2-115 and Sh2-116 to light:

Telescope and Optics:

• William Optics GT81 MkII Telescope
• William Optics 50mm Guide Scope

Imaging Camera:

• ZWO 1600mm Pro Imaging Camera

Guiding System:

• ZWO 120mm Mini Guide Camera

Mount:

• HEQ5 Pro mount w/ belt mod

Capture Software:

• ASIAIR Pro Capture Software
• Sky Safari Pro Deepsky Database (for planning)

Image Processing:

• Pixinsight Image Processing

Data Acquisition:

• Total Integration: 3.5 hours
  • Sulfur: 35x120s
  • Hydrogen: 35x120s
  • Oxygen: 35x120s
  • RGB Stars: 10x10s
• Calibration Frames:
  • 30x Flat Frames
  • 30x Dark Frames
  • 30x Dark Flat Frames

Camera Settings:

• Gain: 200

Observing Conditions:

• Bortle 8 skies (indicating a light-polluted environment)

Despite the challenging Bortle 8 skies, the integration time and narrowband filters (Sulfur, Hydrogen, and Oxygen) allowed for the extraction of remarkable detail. The addition of RGB data for stars ensures a more natural color balance to the final image.

This effort results in a stunning visualization of these distant gas clouds, showcasing the dedication and skill involved in modern astrophotography.