IC 63 - Phantom Nebula

[konstantinos75]

Hi

I would like to share with you my attempt to reprocess IC 63 the Phantom Nebula in Cassiopeia. This image was captured in 2013.

IC 63 is an emission/reflection nebula in the constellation of Cassiopeia. The hydrogen emission is energized from the bright star Gamma Cassiopeia to the upper left which is is physically located only 3 to 4 light-years from the nebula. IC 63, also known as Phanthom Nebula, is dominated by red H-alpha light emitted as the ionized hydrogen atoms recombine with electrons.

Some technical details here

Optics: Vixen ED81s @ f/7.7
Mount: HEQ5 synscan Pro
Guiding: Skywatcher 9x50 finderscope+DMK21AU04
Camera: SBIG ST2000XM
Filter Wheel: SBIG CFW9
Filters: Baader Ha, Astronomik LRGB
CCD Temperature: -5 degrees Celsius
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Date: 30 Sep, 2013
Location: Kifisia, Greece
Exposure:
Lum : 70 min (70x1 min)
Red : 40 min (40x1 min)
Green : 40 min (40x1 min)
Blue : 40 min (40x1 min)
Ha: 200 min (20x10 min)
Binning: 1x1(L,R,G,B,Ha)
Total exposure 6.5 h
Software:
MaximDL for calibration, CCDstack for registering/combine, Photoshop

Some advice how to efficiently eliminate the stars red halos in Photoshop is welcomed :)

Full size here: http://www.albireo.gr/astrogallery/nebulae/diffuse/2013.09.30/IC63.html


Thank you

[konstantinos75]

The trick to photoshop to eliminate colorful halos in stars is to select stars then play with selective color tool. Try to reduce the bad color...
I attach an image for comparison before and after selective colors.

[NOMH]

This is a tough object and the large star doesn't help things. You've done well.

JB

[Ross G]

Hello Konstantinos.

Good to see another photo.
It looks great. Such a dim object.

Your stars look ok to me.

Ross.

[atalas]

Another very nice shot...good work Mr K.