This intricate tangle of glowing filaments is the aftermath of a supernova that exploded 8,000 years ago, stretching across 3 degrees in the constellation Cygnus — more than 6 full moons across the sky.
Captured in hydrogen-alpha (Ha) and doubly-ionized oxygen (OIII) using 3nm filters, RGB filters were used to reconstruct star colors, in an attempt to present a natural looking complement to the HOO palette. About 10 hours total integration....
Years ago when I was into observing astronomy I was able to see the Veil Nebula in my 12" dobsonian with my 32mm eyepiece. And even then it was difficult to get the whole thing in view. And visually it's like every other dark sky object. Gray and no detail.
AZHeaven wrote:
Years ago when I was into observing astronomy I was able to see the Veil Nebula in my 12" dobsonian with my 32mm eyepiece. And even then it was difficult to get the whole thing in view. And visually it's like every other dark sky object. Gray and no detail.
This photo is stunning to say the least!
Thank you!
It is interesting to discuss the colors with someone not very familiar with astronomy. Many people ask if they were flying by a nebula in a space ship would this be what they would see. Of course I say not likely, and that leads to a discussion of the different wavelengths of light and the ability to decide which wavelengths to emphasize and then how to map those to an RGB image - depending on the scientific need or the photographer's artistic objectives.
That usually brings one of two general comments - either "Oh interesting, so each photo is unique?" or "So that's a fake image?"
It is interesting to discuss the colors with someone not very familiar with astronomy. Many people ask if they were flying by a nebula in a space ship would this be what they would see. Of course I say not likely, and that leads to a discussion of the different wavelengths of light and the ability to decide which wavelengths to emphasize and then how to map those to an RGB image - depending on the scientific need or the photographer's artistic objectives.
That usually brings one of two general comments - either "Oh interesting, so each photo is unique?" or "So that's a fake image?"
...Show more →
The Hubble and James Webb and all telescopic images are dull and gray of deep sky objects. They, like you said are colorized via different wavelengths. The only object I've seen a slight color in it was the Orion Nebula. And that was very slight! Planet photos are colorized also but to a different level.
AZHeaven wrote:
The Hubble and James Webb and all telescopic images are dull and gray of deep sky objects. They, like you said are colorized via different wavelengths. The only object I've seen a slight color in it was the Orion Nebula. And that was very slight! Planet photos are colorized also but to a different level.
Also, try observing the Pleiades with a scope or binoculars and you may see the faint blue glowing reflections depending on the darkness of skies.
