The Extended Arms of the Cygnus Loop Revealed
Prepare to be mesmerized by the intricate beauty of the Cygnus Loop, a vast supernova remnant, as captured in this spectacular astrophotography mosaic. With an integration time of 21 hours, the artist has meticulously woven together two frames using the HOO (Hydrogen-alpha, Oxygen-III) narrowband filters, unveiling faint details that often remain hidden in broader spectrum images.
This ambitious project was made possible by a sophisticated setup: a Redcat 91 telescope paired with a ZWO ASI6200mm camera, utilizing Chroma 3nm Ha and Oiii filters. The result is a breathtaking portrayal of the Cygnus Loop, where the delicate tendrils and wispy structures of this celestial explosion are brought to life with astonishing clarity.
The dedication involved in such an undertaking is immense. The integration for each frame alone comprised 90 frames of 300-second exposures for Ha (7.5 hours) and 40 frames of 300-second exposures for Oiii (3.5 hours). This totals a significant 11 hours of data per panel, with the artist mentioning a larger 12-pane mosaic in progress. The sheer scale and complexity of processing such a mosaic highlight the passion and perseverance required in deep-sky astrophotography.
Viewers have been captivated by the level of detail, with comparisons ranging from a "shrimp" to a "cup of boiling tea" and even a "rat head with whiskers." These varied interpretations speak to the evocative nature of the Cygnus Loop itself and the artist's ability to highlight its unique forms. This image truly pushes the boundaries of what can be captured and appreciated in the night sky.
For a deeper dive into the technical aspects and to admire more of this artist's work, you can visit the Astrobin link provided:
