PHOTO OF THE MONTH
The Flaming Star Nebula
Prabhu, Emirates Astronomical Observatory, Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 2022, April 2023 and October 2023
Prabhu says: “This was a challenging target. I gathered enough broadband and narrowband data to highlight both the hydrogen glow and the blue reflection. Processing was tricky, but I’m happy with how it turned out.”
Equipment: ZWO ASI294MM Pro camera, Sky-Watcher Esprit 80 ED refractor, iOptron CEM70G mount, Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount
Exposure: L 25× 300”, 71× 180”, R 24× 300”, G 24× 300”, B 24× 300”, total 23h 48’
Software: PixInsight
Prabhu’s top tips: “For nebulae, collect enough narrowband and broadband data to ease post-processing. Avoid oversaturating stars in broadband, which can cause haloes or rainbow artefacts. There’s no fixed Ha:L:RGB ratio, but 40:40:20 works well. Be patient,…