The Majestic Pelican Nebula: A Deep Dive into Astrophotography

Prepare to be awestruck by the incredible detail and vibrant colors of the Pelican Nebula, captured in this stunning image.

This image showcases the intricate structures and luminous gas clouds that make up the Pelican Nebula, a prominent emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus. It's a testament to the power of modern astrophotography and the dedication of those who capture these celestial marvels.

Behind the Lens: Equipment and Acquisition

Capturing an image like this requires a specialized setup and careful planning. Here's a breakdown of the equipment and acquisition process:

Acquisition Details:

• Date: 10 Jul 2025
• Location: Backyard (Bortle 5)
• Software: NINA, PHD2
• Filters: Antlia V-Series SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters
  • Ha: 20 x 300" (1h 40m)
  • OIII: 20 x 300" (1h 40m)
• RGB Data:
  • R: 20 x 30" (10m)
  • G: 20 x 30" (10m)
  • B: 20 x 30" (10m)
• Camera Settings: Gain 200, Offset 55, Temperature -5°C
• Calibration Frames: 50 Darks, 30 Flats, 30 Dark Flats

Equipment Used:

• Telescope: GSO RC6
• Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
• Filters: Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
• Filter Wheel: ZWO Filter Wheel
• Focuser: ZWO EAF
• Mount: iOptron GEM 28
• Guiding: ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

The Art of Processing

Transforming raw data into a polished image is an art form in itself. The process involved:

1. Stacking: Images were stacked using DeepSkyStacker (DSS).
2. Initial Stretch: A first stretch was performed in Photoshop to reveal initial details.
3. Star Removal: Stars were removed using StarXTerminator to focus on the nebula's structure.
4. Second Stretch: A second stretch of the starless image was applied to enhance target details.
5. Color and Contrast Adjustments: Curves adjustments were used to refine contrast, followed by saturation and color adjustments.
6. Noise Reduction: NoiseXTerminator was employed for noise reduction.
7. Sharpening: The Smart Sharpen filter was used to bring out finer details.
8. Star Integration: RGB stars were added back using a screen layer for a complete look.

This image was processed in HOO (Ha, OIII, OIII) with RGB stars, a common and effective narrowband processing technique.

Explore More

For more of this incredible astrophotography, you can visit .