Nine-Years Ago Today. Feral Rooster at Kualoa Regional Park on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. (12-Jan-2016, Semester at Sea)
Silhouettes of Jets and Birds Passing in Front of the Sun.
Today while viewing the sunspots (currently at or near the solar maximum) with a Stellina and Vespera Classic automated telescope, I captured images of jets and birds passing in front of the sun.
A simulation view created by the Stellarium application of the Mars Occultation by the full Moon tomorrow evening. The difficulty will be the significant difference in the light levels between the full Moon and the planet Mars. The forecast for tomorrow night at the time of the occultation is for a Clear Sky.
Nine-Years Ago Today. Crepuscular rays from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Semester at Sea. (08-Jan-2016, Pacific Ocean)
Silhouette of a Jet Transiting the Sun.
Today, while looking at the sunspots (we are at or near the solar maximum) I captured an image of a jet transiting the sun. This was with a Stellina automated telescope fitted with a solar filter.
Sun with sunspots and the silhouette of a jet. Image taken with a Vaonis Stellina Telescope (400 mm, f/5) with a solar filter.
Time-lapse video of tree getting in the way of the sun. Images taken with a Stellina automated telescope fitted with a solar filter.
Cold Winter Night Sky.
The forecast for the night was mostly clear. The waxing gibbous moon is getting brighter (69% illuminated). For the first of the night, I programed the “Plan my Night” sequence on the Vespera telescopes to first observe the moon, then later as the moon moves to the west picked some deep sky observation targets in parts of the sky away from the moon. I also set up a Nikon D9 camera with a 8-15 mm fisheye lens to take a sequence of images of the night sky with the full Vespera family of telescopes in the foreground. These images were then used to create the following time-lapse video. The moon is the bright object. You can watch the Orion constellation travel across the sky. Lots of jet trails, a few passing clouds, and a couple of meteors. Best viewed in the dark and expanded to full scale. Images captured by the telescopes to follow.
Time-lapse video of the Vespera family of telescopes viewing the winter night sky over New Jersey.
Fifteen-Years Ago Today. Surfer Girl at Hookipa Beach Park. (16-Dec-2009, Maui)
Image of the Day.
For the image of the day, I select an image from the past taken on this day of the year. I now have over a million digital images going back to 2006 when I got my first DSLR camera, a Nikon D200 for a cross-country road trip. I have a few other digital images from a Polaroid PDC 700 point and shoot from before 2006.
The “Surfer Girl” image was taken while in Hawaii for a Pacific Chemistry scientific meeting. I had the morning off and went for a drive along the coast. I stopped at Ho’okipa Beach Park and went to a section overlooking the beach. It was windy and there were some big waves. I could see some folks surfing the waves at a distance of 300-400 feet. For the trip, my travel camera was a Nikon D3x with a 70-300 mm zoom lens. At that time the 24-megapixel sensor was state of the art — great for landscapes or portraits with a steady tripod. But it was slow, not really suited for fast moving sports. Maybe 2 shots/second burst rate that quickly filled the buffer. I took a number of shots of the surfers out on the big waves.
It wasn’t till I downloaded the images later that evening that I realized I captured this great shot out of a 15-shot sequence taken over 8 seconds. Having a 24-megapixel image allowed me crop and zoom in on the surfer. I posted a cropped image on my photoblog and on Google+. A print of the image won an award at a Photography Show in Florida. I posted it on my photoblog and on Google+. Later, I found out it ended up in some surfer sites and it had been used in time-share and condo rental advertisements. Probably, my most stolen image.
Below, I show the original image sequence along with reprocessed versions of the sequence with currently available tools. DxO Pure Raw (Camera/Lens correction), Capture One Pro (Levels and High-Dynamic Range), and Topaz AI (sharpening).
Digital Art. Silhouette of an AI Drone Hovering in front of the Moon. (13-Dec-2024)
Silhouettes of an Airplane, Jets, and a Turkey Vulture Transiting the Sun.
Today, I captured images of an airplane, two jets, and a Turkey Vulture transiting the sun while looking at the sunspots (we are at or near the solar maximum). I was viewing the sun with a Vespera Classic and Vespera Pro automated telescope using solar filters.
Silhouette of a Turkey Vulture passing in front of the sun. Note I am guessing it is a Turkey Vulture. It could also be a Black Vulture. Image taken with a Vaonis Vespera Classic Telescope (200 mm, f/4, 1/4000 sec) with a solar filter.Silhouette of an airplane passing in front of the sun. Image taken with a Vaonis Vespera Classic Telescope (200 mm, f/4, 1/4000 sec) with a solar filter.Silhouette of a jet transiting the sun with sunspots. Image taken with a Vaonis Vespera Classic Telescope (200 mm, f/4, 1/4000 sec) with a solar filter.Sun with sunspots and the silhouette of a jet. Image taken with a Vaonis Vespera Pro Telescope (250 mm, f/5, 1/4000 sec) with a solar filter.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS)
The comet is getting fainter and the tail much shorter. You may need to look closely; the comet is in the center of the frame. The magnitude is now 10.4. The first image is a composite of 32 images (5 min 20 sec) and the second one is a composite of 128 images (21 min 20 sec). In the second image there is some movement of the comet head.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Composite of 32 10 sec images taken with a Vaonis Vespera-Pro Telescope (250 mm, f/5, 320 sec).Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Composite of 32 10 sec images taken with a Vaonis Vespera-Pro Telescope (250 mm, f/5, 320 sec).
The comet and tail keep getting smaller and fainter. The estimated magnitude of the comet was +8.5. I am only showing images from the Stellina telescope since the Vespera telescopes are fitted with filters for viewing emission nebulae.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Composite of 30 images taken with a Vaonis Stellina Telescope (400 mm, f/5, 30 x 10 sec).
Singularity Multi-Night Observations
One of the new features with the Singularity software application used to operate the Vaonis telescopes is Multi-Night Observations. The mosaic image composite process is continued from the previous observation session to afford improved image quality. The software permits up to five different mosaic images to be continued for more than one night. At the end of each multi-night observation, the final image and the settings to continue the observation for the target is stored with the instrument as the starting point for the next multi-night observation. The settings include whether a filter is used (and would be required for subsequent multi-night observations). It is recommended that the object be between 25° and 75° during the multi-night observation.
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293)
The Helix Nebula is a planetary emission nebula located in the constellation Aquarius. It is relatively low (maximum about 28°) above the southern horizon early in the evening, so the first target for the night.
Stellina (no Filter)
Observation of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) over four nights using the Stellina telescope with no filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.1° x 1.1°. Total of 741 stacked images, 02h 03m 30s). I’ve included both an unprocessed jpg image and one that was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise).
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 740 stacked images (02h 03m 30s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec exposures). JPG image without additional processing.Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 740 stacked images (02h 03m 30s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec exposures). Image processed with Topaz AI (noise reduction) and Capture One.
Vespera Classic with Dual Filter
Observation of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) over four nights using the Vespera Classic telescope with a Dual (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 1766 stacked images (04h 54m 20s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1765, 1766). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1967 x 1936 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 128 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 6th pass when the observation was stopped for the night. The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). Compared with the processed image from the Stellina, this one is brighter due to the Dual filter and the larger number of stacked images.
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1765 stacked 10 sec exp (04 h 54m 20s). Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4). JPG image without additional processingHelix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1765 stacked 10 sec exp (04 h 54m 20s). Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4). Image processed with Topaz AI (noise) and Capture One.
Vespera Passengers with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) over four nights using the Vespera Passengers telescope with a Dual band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 1199 stacked images (03h 19m 50s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1198, 1199). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1956 x 1934 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 32 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 8th pass when the observation was paused. The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise).
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1199 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4). JPG image without additional processingHelix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1199 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4). Image processed with Capture One (brightness) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)
Vespera II with CLS Filter
Observation of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) over four nights using the Vespera II telescope with a CLS (city light suppression) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.5° x 2.6°. Total of 1446 stacked images (04h 01m 00s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1445, 1446). The full 2.5° x 2.6° (3791 x 3840 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 128 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 6th pass when the observation was paused. Even though there are more stacked images, the unprocessed jpg image from the Vespera-II telescope is not a bright as the ones from the Vespera Classic, or Vespera Passengers telescopes. This may be due to the different filters used (CLS vs Dual). The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise).
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1446 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp). Unprocessed jpg image.Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1446 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp). Image processed with Capture One (brightness) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)
Dumbbell Nebula (M27)
The Dumbbell Nebula (M27, NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula. Vespera Pro was not able to locate/lock onto the Helix nebula, so I selected the Dumbbell nebula as an alternative multi-night target. On this date, it remains above 25° above the horizon until about 22:00.
Vespera Pro with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Dumbell Nebula (M27) over two nights using the Vespera Pro telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 801 stacked images (02h 13m 30s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness and contrast as well as decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 800, 801). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (3559 x 3571 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 64 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 6th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula. Additionally, some faint red areas can be observed around the nebula.
Dumbbell Nebula (M27). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, Dual Band Filter). Composite of 801 stacked images. Unprocessed jpg image.Dumbbell Nebula (M27). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, Dual Band Filter). Composite of 801 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).
Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888)
The Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888, Caldwell 27, Sharpless 105) is an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus. On this date, it remains above 25° above the horizon until about 22:00. I selected this as my second deep sky object for multi-night target for the night.
Stellina (no Filter)
Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Stellina telescope with no filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.1° x 1.1°. Total of 1624 stacked images, 04h 30m 40s). I’ve included both an unprocessed jpg image and one that was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). In this section of the sky there are lots of stars. Even with the processing, it is difficult to clearly see the faint red nebula.
Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 1624 stacked images (04h 30m 40s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp). Unprocessed JPG image.Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 1624 stacked images (04h 30m 40s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp). Image processed with Topaz AI (noise reduction) and Capture One.
Vespera Classic with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Vespera Classic telescope with a Dual band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2236 stacked images (06h 12m 40s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2235, 2226). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1900 x 1924 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 7th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula. Additionally, some faint red areas can be observed above the nebula.
Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2336 stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp). Unprocessed JPG image.Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2336 stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)
Vespera Passengers with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Vespera Passengers telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2016 stacked images (05h 36m 00s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2015, 2016). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1949 x 1938 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 32 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 14th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula. Additionally, some faint red areas can be observed around the nebula.
Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2016 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Unprocessed JPG image.Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2016 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (denoise)
Vespera II with CLS Filter
Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Vespera II telescope with a CLS (city light suppression) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.5° x 2.6°. Total of 2168 stacked images (06h 01m 20s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2167, 2168). The full 2.5° x 2.6° (3694 x 3840 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 11th pass when the observation was paused. Even though there are more stacked images, the unprocessed jpg image from the Vespera-II telescope is not a bright as the ones from the Vespera Classic, or Vespera Passengers telescopes. This may be due to the different filters used (CLS vs Dual). The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). Lots of stars in this region of the sky.
Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2168 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Unprocessed JPG image.Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2168 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).
Vespera Pro with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Vespera Pro telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2638 stacked images (07h 19m 40s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2637, 2638). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (3559 x 3543 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 64 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 17th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula. Additionally, some faint red areas can be observed around the nebula.
Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, Dual band filter). Composite of 2638 stacked images. Unprocessed JPG image.Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, Dual band filter). Composite of 2638 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)
Waning Gibbous Moon
The waning gibbous moon is 89% illuminated. For the remainder of the night the Stellina telescope recorded images of the moon that were used to create the following time-lapse video. I did a quick review of the images and didn’t see any object passing in front of the moon. Let me know if you see something. The telescope takes ~ 40 images/minute. The time-lapse video was created using Photoshop (720p, 30fps)
Packman Nebula (NGC 281)
The Packman Nebula (NGC 281, IC 11 or Sh2-184) is a bright emission nebula in the Cassiopea constellation and is part of the Milky Way.
Vespera Classic with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Packman Nebula (NGC 281) over four nights using the Vespera Classic telescope with a Dual band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2534 stacked images (07h 02m 20s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2533, 2534). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1924 x 1972 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 8th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.
Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Composite of 2534 stacked images. Unprocessed jpg image.Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Composite of 2534 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)
Vespera Passengers with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Packman Nebula (NGC 281) over four nights using the Vespera Passengers telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2373 stacked images (06h 53m 30s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2372, 2373). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1891 x 1938 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 64 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 15th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.
Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Composite of 2373 stacked images. Unprocessed jpg image.Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Composite of 2373 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).
Vespera II with CLS Filter
Observation of the Packman Nebula (NGC 281) over four nights using the Vespera II telescope with a CLS (city light suppression) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.5° x 2.6°. Total of 2632 stacked images (07h 18m 40s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2631, 2632). The full 2.6° x 2.6° (3833 x 3855 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 11th pass when the observation was paused. The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). Lots of stars in this region of the sky.
Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Composite of 2632 stacked mages. Unprocessed jpg image.Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Composite of 2632 stacked mages. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).
Vespera Pro with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Packman Nebula (NGC 281) over four nights using the Vespera Pro telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2629 stacked images (07h 18m 10s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2628, 2629). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (3559 x 3543 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 64 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 16th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.
Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, dual band filter). Composite of 2629 stacked images. Unprocessed JPG image.Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, dual band filter). Composite of 2629 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One and Topaz AI (noise reduction).
Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244)
The Rosette Nebula and Cluster (NGC 22237, Caldwell 49, NGC 2244, Caldwell 50) is a bright emission nebula in the Monoceros region of the Milky Way Galaxy. I did the observations between 03:00 and 05:30 (astronomical dawn). The observations of the Jellyfish Nebula (IC 443), Horsehead Nebula (IC 434), and Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) were washed out due to the bright moon.
Vespera Classic with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244) over four nights using the Vespera Classic telescope with a Dual band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.3° x 2.4°. Total of 2101 stacked images (05h 50m 10s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2100, 2101). The full 2.3° x 2.4° (2811 x 2950 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 512 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 4th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the neb
Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, NGC 2244) Composite of 2101 stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter).Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, NGC 2244) Composite of 2101 stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)
Vespera Passengers with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244) over four nights using the Vespera Passengers telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.4° x 2.4°. Total of 1747 stacked images (04h 51m 10s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1756, 1747). The full 2.4° x 2.4° (2887 x 2851 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 128 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 8th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.
Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, 2244). Composite of 1747 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Unprocessed jpg image.Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, 2244). Composite of 1747 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (denoise).
Vespera II with CLS Filter
Observation of the Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244) over four nights using the Vespera II telescope with a CLS (city light suppression) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.6° x 2.7°. Total of 2656 stacked images (07h 22m 40s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2655, 2656). The full 2.6° x 2.7° (3854 x 3972 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 11th pass when the observation was paused. The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). Lots of stars in this region of the sky. The nebula is not as bright with the CLS filter vs. the Dual filter.
Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, NGC 2244). Composite of 2656 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Unprocessed jpg image.Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, NGC 2244). Composite of 2656 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)
Vespera Pro with Dual Band Filter
Observation of the Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244) over four nights using the Vespera Pro telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.4° x 2.4°. Total of 2894 stacked images (07h 18m 10s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2893, 2894). The full 2.4° x 2.4° (5304 x 5304 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 128 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 12th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.
Rosette Nebula (NGC2237, NGC 2244). Composite of 2894 stacked images. Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Unprocessed jpg image.Rosette Nebula (NGC2237, NGC 2244). Composite of 2894 stacked images. Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).
