NGC7023 The Iris Nebula

The Iris Nebula

At 1300 light years away and 6 light years across, The Iris Nebula, NGC7203, is a bright reflection nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. The light emitted by the star cluster in the centre of this nebula, reflects from the interstellar dust and gives the blue colour, and due to the resemblance with the iris flower, the name of this object. The brownish area around the reflection nebula consist of “space dust” blocking the light from the stars behind it creating blank, dark areas.

 

Taken 10 to 13 August 2022 from my Back garden, 98% to 96% Moon, so a challenging capture, but with frequent poor weather you just have to go for it! First time trying to expose the dust in post processing so many attempts, versions and exploring techniques before settling on this result.

 

Total exposure 15 hours

 

L = 180 x 90s

R = 60 x 60s + 30 x 300s

B = 60 x 60s + 30 x 300s

G = 60 x 60s + 30 x 300s

 

Astromiks 36mm SHO 6nm Filters

30 x Darks for each exposure time, Flats and Dark Flats for each filter

ZWO ASI294MM Pro 120 gain, -10C

ZWO 7x36mm EFW

ZWO EAF

Stellalyra 8” Ritchey-Chrétien Carbon

EQ6-Pro

ASIAIR Plus

Astro Pixel Processor

Pixinsight

Photoshop 2022

 

Done