Squid and Flying Bat Nebulae - OU4 and Sh2-129
These are two nebulae, including one (Ou4) discovered by the French astrophotographer Nicolas Outters in June 2011. The Giant Squid Nebula is a bipolar planetary nebula located about 2000 light-years from the earth and surrounded by the Flying Bat Nebula (cataloged Sh2-129 in red), located in the direction of the Cepheus constellation.
After a whopping 35 hours of data collection, the enigmatic Giant Squid Nebula remained elusive, fading into the depths of space. 🌌 Patience truly becomes a virtue in this pursuit.
Processing to pull out the faint detail was no small feat. It was, in fact, one of the most complex tasks I've undertaken in my astrophotography journey. 📷
What I've learned from these challenges:
OSC narrowband filters may not be the best choice for capturing faint nebulas like these. Adjusting my approach to the ever-mysterious cosmos is essential.
Entering into the world of the monochrome version of astrophotography may hold the key to unlocking even more of the universe's secrets. 🌠
Acquisition Details
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Exposure: 35 Hours data Ha&Oiii 420*300Sec 1 hour of RGB Stars
Calibration Frame: 40 Darks, 40 Flats, 40 Dark Flats
Filters:- L-Ultimate
Gain:- 100
Temp:- 0°
Acquisition Equipments and Softwares
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@zwoasi ASI2600MC Pro
@zwoasi ASI290MM
@williamoptics RedCat 51 II APO 250mm f/4.9
@zwoasi AM5
@zwoasi Mini Scope
@zwoasi EAF
@beelink_official Mini PC, NINA, and PHD2
@optolongfilter L-Ultimate
Location
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@eao_ae - Bortle 3
Post Processing
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Processing - APP, Pixinsight, GHS, BlurXTerminator, NoiseXTerminator, StarXTerminator
Post Processing - Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom
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