The Forsaken Nebula in SHO: A Stunning Astrophotographic Vision

Prepare to be mesmerized by IC 5068, famously known as "The Forsaken Nebula." Captured with the sophisticated SFRO rig, this image showcases the intricate beauty of this deep-sky object in stunning detail, utilizing the powerful SHO (Sulphur, Hydrogen-alpha, Oxygen) narrowband filter combination.

Behind the Lens: The SFRO Rig and Acquisition

The creation of this remarkable image involved a carefully curated setup and dedicated acquisition process:

• Mount: Clearsky ST-14
• Telescope: Askar SQA70
• Camera: OGMA AP26MC
• Filters: Scorpio 3nm SHO and RGB filters

Acquisition Details:

• Ha and Sii: 90 frames x 600 seconds each
• Oiii: 45 frames x 600 seconds each
• RGB (for stars): 20 frames x 10 seconds each

This extensive acquisition time allows for the capture of faint details and subtle color variations, essential for revealing the nebula's hidden wonders.

From Raw Data to Celestial Masterpiece: Processing Techniques

The journey from raw sensor data to the final breathtaking image involved a meticulous processing workflow:

1. Calibration and Stacking: WBPP (WeightedBatch PreProcessing) was employed for initial calibration and stacking of the narrowband data.
2. Color Combination: The SHO data was combined to create the iconic narrowband color representation.
3. Noise Reduction and Enhancement:
   • Graxpert was applied to all data for initial processing.
   • BlurX was used for sharpening.
   • SPCC (Sub-Pixel Convolutional Convolutional) was applied to the RGB data.
   • NoiseX was utilized for aggressive noise reduction.
4. Star Handling:
   • StarX was applied to all channels, with the RGB stars being preserved for natural star colors.
5. Stretching and Color Balancing:
   • A statistical stretch was performed on the SHO data to bring out faint details.
   • Perfect Palette Picker was used to refine the SHO and OSH (Oxygen, Sulphur, Hydrogen) color combinations.
   • GHS (Generalised Hyperbolic Stretch) and Curves were used for fine-tuning the image's dynamic range and color balance.
   • Star stretch was applied to the stars.
6. Integration of Stars: Finally, the processed stars were reintegrated into the nebula image, resulting in a harmonious and detailed final product.

A Closer Look at The Forsaken Nebula

IC 5068 is part of the larger Pelican Nebula complex in the constellation Cygnus. Its evocative name, "The Forsaken Nebula," hints at its somewhat elusive and perhaps melancholic beauty. The SHO processing highlights the emission of ionized gases: sulphur in red, hydrogen-alpha in green, and oxygen in blue. This technique reveals the intricate structure and energetic processes within the nebula, creating a vibrant and otherworldly depiction.

This particular capture truly brings the nebula to life with a remarkable 3D effect, drawing the viewer into its cosmic depths. The dedication to capturing and processing such detail is evident in every pixel.

For the full resolution image and an alternative OSH combination, please visit the photographer's Astrobin page: