Wizard Nebula (NGC 7380) — 3.5 Hours Under the Sturgeon Full Moon
Capturing deep-sky objects can be a daunting task, especially when nature throws its own celestial spotlight into the mix. This past August 9th, 2025, marked the Sturgeon Full Moon, a time when the night sky is typically bathed in a bright, lunar glow. Despite these challenging conditions, I set out to image the magnificent Wizard Nebula, NGC 7380.
This particular capture was a true test for the UHC (Ultra High Contrast) filter's ability to combat both general light pollution and the overwhelming brilliance of a full moon. I'm thrilled with the results, as the UHC filter did an impressive job of keeping the background noise under control, allowing for the fainter details of the nebula to shine through.
The Capture:
Here's a breakdown of the equipment and techniques used to bring this image to life:
- Date: August 9, 2025 (Sturgeon Full Moon)
- Location: Bortle 4 skies
- Total Integration: 3 hours 30 minutes (210 × 60s light frames)
- Camera: Sony a6400 (APS-C)
- Telescope: Celestron NexStar 8SE + focal reducer
- Filter: UHC (Ultra High Contrast) 2" Celestron Filter
- Mount & Guiding: NexStar mount + ZWO guide camera / PHD2
- Acquisition Software: NINA
- Processing Software: Siril + Photoshop
- Calibration Frames: Darks, flats, bias applied
The Result:
The Wizard Nebula is a fascinating region of star formation, characterized by its reddish hydrogen-alpha emissions and the striking teal-blue structures created by ionized oxygen. Even with the bright moon, the UHC filter allowed us to discern these delicate details, showcasing the nebula's ethereal beauty.
This image is a testament to the power of good equipment and careful processing in overcoming the challenges of astrophotography. It's rewarding to see faint details emerge from what could have been a washed-out night sky.
