SN2025rbs Shines Bright in NGC7331, Joined by Celestial Neighbors
Prepare to be amazed by one of the most remarkable astrophotographic achievements we've seen recently! This breathtaking image showcases the supernova SN2025rbs nestled within the grand spiral galaxy NGC7331. But that's not all – the frame is also populated by celestial wonders like the famous Stephan's Quintet and the striking Deer Lick group.
This image is a testament to dedication and skill, pushing the boundaries of what's possible for amateur astronomers. The photographer, two years into their hobby, has employed a sophisticated suite of processing techniques, including AI de-noising with GraXpert and star extraction using StarNet, to bring out an astonishing level of detail.
The vastness of space is truly on display here. On the left side of the image, you can clearly identify the compact galaxy group known as Stephan's Quintet. To the right of the massive NGC7331, the distinctive Deer Lick group also makes its appearance, adding further depth and interest to the scene. The supernova, SN2025rbs, is a bright point of light located just below and to the right of the core of NGC7331, marking a significant stellar event.
Technical Details Behind the Shot:
Achieving such clarity and detail requires meticulous planning and execution. Here's a breakdown of the equipment and techniques used:
- Exposure: A total of 6 hours of exposure time, composed of 120 individual 3-minute subs.
- Camera: ASI2600MC-Pro, cooled to -10°C to minimize thermal noise.
- Location: Bortle 8 skies, highlighting the challenge and success in overcoming light pollution.
- Telescope: Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P F/4 Newtonian telescope, equipped with its dedicated coma corrector for sharp stars across the field of view.
- Mount & Guiding: An EQ6-R Pro mount for stable tracking, guided by a Svbony 60mm F/4 doublet telescope and an ASI120MM guide camera.
- Acquisition Software: KStars/EKOS/INDI running on an N100 mini PC, providing a robust and integrated capture environment.
- Processing Software: A powerful workflow involving Siril for calibration and stacking, GraXpert for AI de-noising, StarNet for star removal, and Pixinsight for advanced image manipulation and enhancement.
This image not only captures a transient cosmic event but also serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the incredible results achievable with passion, perseverance, and cutting-edge processing tools.