IC 417 and NGC 1931 the Spider and the Fly Nebulae

Despite the light pollution from the bright moon I spent about four hours on this nebulous target before it dipped too low in the sky. The larger, predatory looking nebula is IC 417 and the smaller, brighter nebula is NGC 1931.

 

This fun pair are sometimes called the Spider and the Fly nebulae.

 

IC 417 is an emission nebula in the constellation Auriga, lying about 10,000 light years away. The glowing centre of the nebula is energized by the hot, massive blue stars embedded within and it is a hotbed of new star formation.

 

NGC 1931, the Fly Nebula (towards the top) is an emission and reflection nebula, and has been referred to as a miniature version of the Orion Nebula, as it shares some of the same characteristics.

 

Equipment Used

 

Telescope: William Optics Zenithstar 81 APO

Mount: SkyWatcher EQ6-R Pro

 

Controller: ZWO ASIAIR Plus

Main Camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro at gain 101, temperature -10C

Filter: ZWO IR cut-off (Infrared block) filter

Focal reducer: William Optics 0.8x 2.00"

Focuser: ZWO EAF

Guide Camera: ZWO ASI290MM Mini guidecam

Guide Scope: William Optics 50mm

Flat Panel: PegasusAtro Flatmaster250

 

Stacked from:

Lights 42at 300s, gain 101, temp -10C

Darks 30 at 300s, gain 101, temp -10C

Flats 30 at 10s, gain 101, temp -10C

DarkFlats 30 at 10s, gain 101 temp -10C

 

Bortle 4 sky.

Stacked in AstroPixelProcessor and adjusted in Photoshop CS4 and Topaz DeNoise AI

 

 

 

Done