California Nebula in SHO - 2 Panel Mosaic

Posted by: @stastro

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This astrophotograph showcases the California Nebula (NGC 1499), a prominent emission nebula located approximately 1,000 light-years away in the constellation Perseus. Its distinctive shape, reminiscent of the state of California, is the source of its name. This image is the result of a 2-panel mosaic, a project that began in 2023 and involved over 50 hours of exposure time.

Captured using SHO (Hubble Palette) narrowband processing, the vibrant colours represent emissions from hydrogen-alpha, oxygen-III, and sulfur-II gases. The intricate structure of the nebula, sculpted by stellar winds and ultraviolet radiation, is illuminated by nearby stars, particularly Xi Persei, a massive star that powers much of the nebula's glow.

This long-term project required careful planning and patience, with the unpredictable UK weather adding to the challenge of collecting the necessary data. The resulting image highlights the beauty and complexity of this cosmic region.

Equipment Used:
Imaging Telescope: Sharpstar Optics 20032PNT
Imaging Camera: ZWO Astrophotography ASI6200MM Pro
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ8
Filters: Chroma H-alpha 3nm Bandpass 50 mm · Chroma OIII 3nm Bandpass 50 mm · Chroma SII 3nm Bandpass 50 mm
Accessories: Primalucelab EAGLE5PRO · Primalucelab ECCO 2 · Primalucelab SESTO SENSO 2 · ZWO EFW 7 x 2″

Software used: Aries Productions Astro Pixel Processor Users Group (APP) · Main Sequence Software Sequence Generator Pro (SGP) · Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight

Image Details:

Acquisition Dates: 1 Dec 2023, 9 - 10 Dec 2023, 15 - 16 Dec 2023, 19 - 20 Dec 2023, 29 Dec 2023, 9 - 10 Jan 2024, 15 Jan 2024, 18 - 19 Jan 2024, 26 Jan 2024, 11 - 12 Feb 2024, 11 Oct 2024, 10 Nov 2024, 12 Nov 2024, 20 Nov 2024, 22 - 23 Nov 2024, 5 - 6 Dec 2024, 19 - 23 Dec 2024, 2 - 3 Jan 2025, 7 Jan 2025, 9 Jan 2025, 19 - 20 Jan 2025

Frames:
Chroma H-alpha 3nm Bandpass 50 mm: 136×300″(11h 20′) (gain: 100.00) -10°C bin 1×1
Chroma H-alpha 3nm Bandpass 50 mm: 65×300″(5h 25′) (gain: 100.00) 0°C bin 1×1
Chroma OIII 3nm Bandpass 50 mm: 85×300″(7h 5′) (gain: 100.00) -10°C bin 1×1
Chroma OIII 3nm Bandpass 50 mm: 169×300″(14h 5′) (gain: 100.00) 0°C bin 1×1
Chroma SII 3nm Bandpass 50 mm: 136×300″(11h 20′) (gain: 100.00) -10°C bin 1×1
Chroma SII 3nm Bandpass 50 mm: 66×300″(5h 30′) (gain: 100.00) 0°C bin 1×1

Total Integration: 54h 45min
Location: Haywards Heath, UK. Bortle 4.5

Hope you like it, because this image is so large, if you need a full resolution then you can find it here: https://www.astrobin.com/full/ko6qq6/0/

That is again an awesome result Simon @stastro, wow, great work and result!! Thanks for sharing !

@stastro, also a mosaic fan, though the lack of time and lack of CS is preventing me from gathering lights, but someday! nice image you have there, CS