IC 447 In HαRGB

[Mike Lewis]

IC 447 (also known as Dreyer’s Nebula or IC 2169) is a large, faint reflection nebula located in the constellation Monoceros (the Unicorn). It is part of the larger Monoceros R1 star-forming complex, a massive molecular cloud of gas and dust that also includes the more famous Cone Nebula and the Christmas Tree Cluster. It is estimated to lie 2,500 to 2,700 light years distant from Earth. It can be visible in binoclars or small telescopes under dark skies. Barnard 39 and a portion of nebulosity associated with the Christmas Tree Cluster can be seen in the lower right portion of the image as well.

I also took 2.5 hours of luminance data but did not like the result of combining it so it was not used in this final image. As always, thanks for looking and any comments,questions or critiques are most welcome.

Equipment:
Poseidon-M Camera @ -5C and
Gain:125 Offset:25
Astro-Physics Mach2 Mount
Williams Optics Cat 91 Refractor, 448mm @ f/4.9
Antlia Pro Filters (3nm narrowband plus RGB)
Askar FMA180 Guide scope with ASI290MM

Software:
Pixinsight Commercial Version 1.9
Lightroom CC
Photoshop CC
N.I.N.A. Control Software
BlurXTerminator (Russell Croman)
StarXTerminator (Russell Croman)
NoiseXTerminator (Russell Croman)
Astro-Physics APCC and APPM

Light Frames:
Gain 125 / Offset 25
Hα: 37 x 600 secs (6 hrs 10 mins)
Red: 38 x 300 secs (3 hrs 10 mins)
Green: 35 x 300 secs (2 hrs 55 mins)
Blue: 33 x 300 secs (2 hrs 45 mins)

15 hrs total

Dark Frames:
10 x 300 secs (50 mins)
10 x 600 secs (1 hr 40 mins)

Flat Frames:
10 each filter

 

[JimFox]

I think you did a really great job here Mike! I really like it.

Now IC 447 sounds familiar, but I don't recall ever hearing of Dreyer's Nebula, and also I don't recall seeing this one before. So it's a joy to see something new, though I am scratching my head about the IC 447 designation only in that it sounds familiar. So maybe I am thinking of another IC object.

 

[Mike Lewis]

I think you did a really great job here Mike! I really like it.

Now IC 447 sounds familiar, but I don't recall ever hearing of Dreyer's Nebula, and also I don't recall seeing this one before. So it's a joy to see something new, though I am scratching my head about the IC 447 designation only in that it sounds familiar. So maybe I am thinking of another IC object.

Jim,

Thanks for the wonderul feedback! I might guess either IC 443 (Jellyfish) or perhaps IC 410 (Tadpoles) as 2 that could be candidates for confusion, as they are both obviously much more well known.

Getting new target ideas from others is one of the very fun parts of this hobby, so I am glad I might have done that for you on this one. As we head into galaxy season it will be harder and harder to find good targets for the TX situated refractor. Fortunately I will be largely involved with a couple of epic scenic photo trips during those months so that should more than make up for it this year.

ML

 

[JimFox]

Jim,

Thanks for the wonderul feedback! I might guess either IC 443 (Jellyfish) or perhaps IC 410 (Tadpoles) as 2 that could be candidates for confusion, as they are both obviously much more well known.

Getting new target ideas from others is one of the very fun parts of this hobby, so I am glad I might have done that for you on this one. As we head into galaxy season it will be harder and harder to find good targets for the TX situated refractor. Fortunately I will be largely involved with a couple of epic scenic photo trips during those months so that should more than make up for it this year.

ML

That's really cool that you have some upcoming trips! That will help to distract you from a lack of deep space targets. I will be jealous of you going on those trips!

 

[Comet Hunter]

Nicely done and framed

 

[Mike Lewis]

Nicely done and framed

Thanks so much Ed!

ML