Cygnus Loop (SH2-103) - 2025-10-23/24 - Narrowband (HOO)

Description:

Cygnus Loop is the remnant of a supernova event that occured between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago. This image records the Loop's Hydrogen-alpha and Oxygen-3 emissions. As seen from earth, or 1500 light years away, its apparent diameter is about three degrees (six full moons) while its actual diameter is 170 light years across. The major components that are often photographed separately are Eastern Veil (upper right arc), Western Veil (lower left arc), and Pickering's Triangle (left center). Within the loop there are several embedded New General Catalog Catalog (NGC) objects and at least one Index Catalog (IC) object.

 

This image is a single, un-mosiaced frame that was captured in a Bortle 6 suburban sky. Transparency as reported by Astrospheric was below average.

 

Equipment

ZWO ASI6200MM-P/EFW 2" x 7 (HO)

TeleVue NP101is/NPR-2073 (4" f/4.3)

Losmandy G11

 

Software:

Captured in NINA

Processed in PixInsight

 

Integration:

Ha: 16 x 600s = 2:40

OIII: 16 x 600s = 2:40

RGB: 20 x 30s each filter

Total: 5:50

Done