North America Nebula (NGC 7000)

This is my first attempt at processing data from the DWARF 3 smart telescope using Siril. It’s not a perfectly clean picture, but I’m learning and improving with every session.

 

I used EQ-mode and a Duo-band filter to help with the heavy light pollution (Bortle 9.5). The filter definitely improved the overall data, but I need to spend more time collecting light for a stronger result. With more careful polar alignment, I can also reduce the number of rejected frames (I think...).

 

Acquisition Details:

Location: Bortle 9.5 (Dallas, Texas)

Telescope: DWARF 3 (EQ-mode)

Filter: Duo-band (light pollution reduction)

Light Frames: 298 (135 rejected)

Exposure: 60s each

Gain: 60

Usable Data: ~2h 45m

Total Time Spent Gathering: ~5 hours

 

Calibration:

Dark Frames: 22 (60s, gain 60)

 

Processing Tools:

Siril: stacking, calibration & stretching

GraXpert: noise reduction

Adobe Photoshop: finishing touches

Done