vdB 15, vdB 15 and Sh2-202

[gorann]

These two refelction nebulae (vdB 14 & 15) and the large Ha-emission nebula Sh2-202, containing the dark nebula LDN 1384, lie close to the more commonly imaged Heart and Soul nebulae.

The moon was up so I imaged with the IDAS NBZ dual-band Ha & Oiii filter. Its bandwith is broad enough to also pick up bluish refelction nebulosity, although I did spice it up a bit with some Esprit 150 lum-data I had. I like the broadness of the NBZ filter as it also gives stars a rather naturally looking RGB colour, and I process the images like I process RGB data from the ASI2600MC.

So, 114 x 5 min (9.5 hours) collected with my dual-RASA8 rig and ASI2600MC (gain 100, offset 30, -15°C). Processed in PI and mainly PS. As usual, I gave the nebulosity an extra stretch on a starless version (Star Xterminator) before I brought the stars back.

Last image for a while since clouds, rain and snow moved in.

Cheers, Göran