SH2-101 (Tulip Nebula)

The Tulip Nebula (aka Sh2-101) is about 6000 light years away in Cygnus and consists of a collection of hydrogen, oxygen and sulphur gases. Ultraviolet light from nearby young stars ionise the gas creating red, green and blue colours, making it a popular narrowband target. In particular, the very bright blue/white star HDE 227018 shown near the centre of the image creates a bluish/violet bubble within the nebula.

Since I prefer natural colours, I decided to image using LRGB techniques but to enhance details and contrast, I also decided to capture HII emissions via an Ha filter which I subsequently blended into the red and luminescence channels.  The result is below represents 19 hours integration time and was taken with my Esprit 150.