The Wizard Nebula

NGC 7380 (also known as the Wizard Nebula) is a young, open cluster of stars located in the constellation Cepheus. It is located approximately 8,500 light-years from earth. It is estimated to be 4 to 11.9 million years old. The binary star system DH Cephei at the center of the cluster are the primary ionizing source for the surrounding HII region, and are driving out the surrounding gas and dust while triggering star formation in the neighboring region.

November 7, 2024

A snow storm has settled into our area over the last week, so what do we do? Reprocess! Since my processing approach is new with the ALPT filter, I figured I'd give processing this another run with some tweaks to the process. This time around, I wanted to enhance the blues a little bit, and attempt to draw out a bit more color and detail in the little globules. For this process, I utilized the new DBExtract process rather than the RGB channel separation process I had used before and I think this resulted in a better Foraxx image in the intermediate processing phase. I also adjusted my HDRMST approach slightly, and also adjusted my approach to curves. Finally, I reduced the stars slightly compared to the last version. I lost a little bit of the faint nebulosity around the object compared to the first version, but it's still there. Overall, I'm pleased with the result given the improvements to the process. I'll try this on Pacman next.

Technical Details

Imaging Telescope: Orion Optics UK Ideal 8

Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro

Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro

Filter: Antlia Tri-band RGB Ultra Filter - 2” Mounted, Antlia ALP-T Dual Band 5nm 2”

Accessories: ZWO ASIAIR Plus, ZWO EAF, ZWO Filter Drawer (Gen 2)

Software: PixInsight, Starnet, BlurXterminator, NoiseXterminator

Guiding Telescope: SVBony SV106 60mm Guide Scope

Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI174MM

Imaging Dates: October 24-26, 2024

Frames (gain 101.0) f/4.9 -10c: 110×180″(5h30m) Triband, 220x180” (11h) ALP-T

Integration Time: 16h30m

Darks/Flats/Dark Flats: 60/60/60

Bortle Dark-Sky Scale: 6.00

October 27, 2024

Finally I’ve gotten a good image of the Wizard Nebula. I first tried this target with only a UV/IR Cut filter and my Redcat. It was a bit too small to resolve any detail and it was a bit too faint relative to the light polluted background, making it difficult to bring out the nebulosity, since this object is more toward the northern sky for me (which is the direction of my greatest source of light pollution.) The new ALP-T filter eliminated this issue for me, and the Newt has the resolving power, so I figured I’d give it another go. I used the ALP-T over the semi-moonlit nights, and the Triband over the mostly moonless night last night. I opted to frame the Wizard standing up rather than lying down, since he’s clearly casting a spell :) I’m really pleased with the result!