NGC7023_RGB_3-8-2024

“Reprocessed Image of NGC7023 Iris Nebula”

Original image link:- flic.kr/p/2panefq

 

This is a rework of NGC7023 Iris Nebula taken with the “Explore scientific 16mp OSC” back in October 2023, this camera was kindly on loan/test from Kerin at Telescope House.

This time I used GraXpert AI to remove the noise. This help me to stretch the image further, this meant I could pull out more of the interstellar dust. I also used Siril “General Hyperbolic Stretch” transformation but this time along with “Human Weighted Luminance” to preserve the colour. I finished the image of using “Affinity Photo 2”. Although this software is similar to Photoshop CS2 and does everything I require and more, it’s going to take me time to work out where everything is.

 

This is a bright reflection Nebula in the constellation of Cepheus. The nebula, which shines at magnitude +6.8, is illuminated by a magnitude +7.4 star and lies 1,300 light-years away and is 6 light-years across. Its Apparent Dimension is 18' x 18'. The designated No. NGC7023 actually refers to the open cluster within the nebulosity which has it own designation of LBN487.

 

EQUIPMENT:-

Explore Scientific 102mm F7 APO Carbon

Explore Scientific 0.7 Focal Reducer

Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 GT

Explore Scientific 16mp cooled OSC

Orion Mini Auto Guide

Chip Temp Cooled to -10 degC

 

IMAGING DETAILS:-

NGC7023 Iris Nebula (Cepheus)

Gain 500 (Unit Gain) in APT

Offset 91

Dithering

32 RGB subs@480 (4h 16min)

20 Darks

25 Flats

 

PROCESSING/GUIDING SOFTWARE:-

APT "Astro Photograph Tools”

PHD2

DSS

GraXpert AI

Siril

Affinity photo 2

Done