Triffid and Lagoon Nebulae Captured Under Bortle 8/9 Skies

Even with the challenge of Bortle 8/9 skies, the breathtaking wonders of the Triffid Nebula (NGC 6866) and the Lagoon Nebula (M8) can still be brought to light. This incredible capture demonstrates the power of modern astrophotography equipment and advanced processing workflows.

The Equipment

This image was made possible using the following setup:

Mount: iExos 100
Telescope: AT60ED
Filter: Antlia Triband
Camera: Saturn Playerone

Acquisition Details

The integration time for this stunning shot was an impressive 11 hours, composed of 30-second calibrated sub-exposures. This extended capture time is crucial for gathering enough signal to reveal the faint details within these nebulae, especially when battling significant light pollution.

The Processing Pipeline

Achieving this level of detail from challenging skies requires a robust processing workflow. The following software was utilized:

Siril: For initial calibration and stacking.
Graxpert: For noise reduction and stretching.
StellarX: (Assuming this is what 'Seti Astro Suite' refers to in this context, commonly used for processing) For further enhancement and detail extraction.
Affinity Photo: For final compositing and touch-ups.
Darktable: For color correction and fine-tuning.

The Image

Behold the result of this dedication and skillful processing!

Triffid and Lagoon Nebulae

A Triumph Over Light Pollution

This image is a testament to the fact that even in urban environments with significant light pollution, captivating deep-sky astrophotography is achievable. The use of broadband filters like the Antlia Triband helps to isolate specific wavelengths of light emitted by nebulae, while meticulous calibration and extensive integration gather enough data to overcome the background noise. The sophisticated processing techniques then reveal the hidden colors and structures within these cosmic clouds.

This is a truly inspiring piece of work for any aspiring or experienced astrophotographer looking to push the boundaries of what's possible from their own backyard.