The Cygnus Rift

[Andy Nowlen]

I call this the Cygnus Rift but it is more often known as the Cygnus Wall. I like "Rift" because this activity in the heavens seems far more active than a wall. This rift is in the Cygnus (Swan) constellation, one of the 48 Constellations described by the astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century BC. The Rift/Wall is part of the larger area often referred to as the North American Nebula (NGC 7000). Flowing clouds of dense stellar dust add dimension.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Simply beautiful image

 

[JimFox]

Welcome to FocalWorld Andy!!!

What an awesome photo. I think you are right Cygnus Rift seems so much more appropriate. I really like the detail in this. Which camera are you using? I still am using my stock DSLR, but I am paying attention to what’s being used as I know I will be upgrading at some point.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Welcome to the forum Andy. What an awesome image. I am not into DSO photography (yet anyway) but am very much in awe of the images that you and other astro photographers are capturing.

 

[AlanLichty]

Welcome to FocalWorld. This almost looks like space is ripping itself apart - very dramatic image.

 

[Mike Lewis]

Welcome to FocalWorld! Great shot of this iconic location - would love to see some gear and collection details for this. Dramatic colors, was this an HOO palette mix? Love crop and details in this one.

ML

 

[Dan Moorehead]

Perfection!

 

[Andy Nowlen]

Sorry, I left out the tekky details.

This image of the rift/wall is 7 hours of integration.
100 x 300 seconds subframes
Scope = Explore Scientific ED 102mm f/7 at 714 mm.
Mount = Ioptron CEM40EC
Imagining camera = Asi533MC pro
Filter = optolong L-extreme
Guide camera = Asi462mc with 30mm miniguide scope
Capture via = ZWO AsiAir Pro
July 14-17, 2021
The nights in July are pretty short. So the captures were done over four nights from my Bortle 6 driveway.
Processed as basic HOO image then starless, then added Ha to the RGB.
I am taking baby steps in Pixinsight, and while challenging, it is rewarding on the occasion of success :>)

Eugene Oregon

 

[JimFox]

Congrats on the Featured Astro Photo Andy!

@Andy Nowlen

 

[Andy Nowlen]

Thanks very much.