Spectrum of Creation: The Rainbow Hues of The Seagull Nebula

2024March 2024

Mar 21

Written By Charles Lillo

Image Title: Spectrum of Creation": The Rainbow Hues of The Seagull Nebula

Copyright: Rod Prazeres Astrophotography

Date image was taken: January 22, 2024

Location: Hillcrest, QLD, 4118, Australia

Image Description and Details: Cropped version: https://www.astrobin.com/s6dur4/
Uncropped version: https://www.astrobin.com/s6dur4/0/
3D animation here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3IxCncseC_/

About me: My name is Rod Prazeres, an amateur astrophotographer from Brisbane, Australia. I started my Astrophotography journey in July 2023, and have been more and more excited about the journey ahead. It’s a steep learning curve but I am enjoying every step of the way.

About the image: Today we're diving on my first target of 2024 - the Seagull Nebula, a fascinating spectacle in the winter sky. Located on the border between the constellations Monoceros and Canis Major, this nebula offers a stunning view resembling a seagull in flight. The Seagull Nebula offers an intimate glimpse into the heart of cosmic creation, focusing on the vibrant spectrum up to LBN 1034. Through SHO narrowband imaging, this piece distils the nebula's essence into a cascade of colours, from golden hues to deep blues, reflecting the dynamic processes of star formation.
This closer view, the result of over 21 hours of dedication, not only highlights the nebula's vivid beauty but also the awe it inspires, bridging the cosmic with the personal.

Equipment Details: Equipment used:

Imaging Telescopes: William Optics RedCat 51 II
Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM Pro

Acquisition details

Dates:
Jan. 3 - 5, 2024
Jan. 13 - 15, 2024
Jan. 20 - 22, 2024

Frames:
Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm: 85×300″(7h 5′) (gain: 100.00) -5°C bin 1×1
Antlia 3nm Narrowband Oxygen III 36 mm: 112×300″(9h 20′) (gain: 100.00) -5°C bin 1×1
Antlia 3nm Narrowband Sulfur II 36 mm: 64×300″(5h 20′) (gain: 100.00) -5°C bin 1×1

Integration:
21h 45′
Bortle 6

Stacked in DeepSkyStacker and processed in PixInsight