m17_qhy163_mn190_NBhargb_8bit

The Omega or Swan nebula in Sagittarius, using broadband RGB data and narrowband SHO data.

 

This object only rises to 19 degrees altitude above my horizon from 54N, so it's a challenge to image well. This attempt uses narrowband filters to try and reduce the impact of the poor seeing conditions at such low elevation.

 

System 1 (narrowband)

Camera: QHY23M

Scope: Celestron C14 Hyperstar

Focal length: 675mm f/1.9

 

Exposures (all bin 2x2):

S-ii (6 x 180s)

H-Alpha (8 x 180s)

O-iii (7 x 180s)

 

System 2 (broadband HaRGB)

Camera: QHY163M

Scope: Skywatcher MN190

Focal length: 1000mm f/5.2

 

Exposures:

Red (5 x 120s)

Green (10 x 120s)

Blue (5 x 120s)

H-Alpha (4 x 300s)

 

Separate images were produced from each system and then merged to provide a more natural colour balance, with narrowband data enhancing detail in the nebula. Although this is not strictly a true-colour image it is close.

 

Taken from UK.

Done