NGC 2392, also known as the Eskimo Nebula, is a bright planetary nebula located about 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Gemini. This nebula is the remnant of a dying Sun-like star, shedding its outer layers while its core contracts into a white dwarf. The intricate structure of NGC 2392 consists of an inner shell of ionized gas, resembling a face surrounded by a fur-lined hood, and an outer halo of expelled material shaped by stellar winds. The central star’s intense radiation illuminates the nebula, creating its vibrant blue and orange hues, with oxygen and hydrogen emissions dominating the spectral composition.

This image was acquired using the lucky imaging technique, which involves capturing a high number of short-exposure frames to mitigate atmospheric distortion. By selecting and stacking only the sharpest frames, this method significantly enhances the resolution, revealing fine details within the nebula’s complex structure. The result is a highly detailed view of NGC 2392, showcasing its intricate filaments, radial outflows, and the turbulent environment surrounding the central star. Lucky imaging is particularly effective for planetary nebulae, where high spatial resolution is crucial in capturing their delicate, evolving features.

Image Description and Details : This is a LRGB composition with about 12.000 1 sec frames for the luminance to which I added the color obtained from about 8.000 images in H-alpha and as many in OIII (R/Ha - G/40%Ha-60%OIII - B/OIII). Then I added the H-alpha and the OIII channels to compose the L-RGB-Ha-OIII.

Dobson 600mm f3.8
StellarCAT - Nexus DSC
ASI2600MM
L 12.000 x 1 sec. bin 1 -10°
R (H-alpha) 8000 x 1 sec. bin 1 -10°
G (40% H-alpha/60% OIII)
B (OIII) 8000 x 1 sec. bin 1 -10°
Astronomik L2 filter 2" mounted
Astronomik H-alpha 12 nm filter 2" mounted
Astronomik OIII 12 nm filter 2" mounted
Dark x 200
Paracorr type 2
Falcon derotator
SharpCap - SiriL - PixInsight - PS - AstroSurface
Bortle 8

Copyright: Filippo Scopelliti