NGC 2818 PN & Open Cluster in Pyxis

[Dave882]

This tiny planetary nebula NGC2818 found nestled in the open cluster NGC2818A is often overlooked and rarely imaged. With an apparent size of only 0.8’, it presents a challenging target to image and process. Imaged with the Optolong L-Ultimate 3nm dual narrow band filter, and RGB stars. Channels extracted in APP and recombined and processed in PI. A very faint Oiii outer shell can also be noticed to the upper left of the PN. Integration was 15hrs of narrowband (120sec subs) and 3hrs RGB stars (30sec subs), full moon B7 backyard.

Although the PN is the star of the show, the open cluster which shares the FOV provides a beautiful accompaniment, and I've tried to bring these surrounding stars to greater prominence so that they provide slightly more than just a pretty backdrop.

Larger Version (Crop) (https://storage.googleapis.com/dso-browser.com/astrophotography/picture-fef9f8d67fb11a03138fc9cb9c6e636b-original.jpg)
Larger Version (Full View) (https://storage.googleapis.com/dso-browser.com/astrophotography/picture-1d2bf1e6f363f19cc1b3a2129befa95f-original.jpg)

C14 non edge @f7 with the Starizona reducer LF
EQ8 pro
Asi2600mc pro gain-100 (gain-0 for rgb stars)
Asi220mm / celestron OAG
ZWO EAF
ASIAIR pro / APP / PI

Comments very welcome! Thanks for having a look!

[Tinderboxsky]

Fabulous capture, David. Your C14 certainly has tremendous reach and resolution. I like the colour balance across the planetary and the star field in the larger, full view version.

[strongmanmike]

Great shot Dave, love it, lovely colours and a beautiful flower like structure too :thumbsup:

Like NGC2438 in M46, a PN sitting in a lovely open cluster is a bonus, two images in one :)

Mike

[Startrek]

Dave,
Incredible PN image
Size 2 arc min , brightness magnitude +12 , Bortle 7
What more can I say !!
You have exposed so much detail for such an optically tiny faint object
Star field is fantastic too
Well done !!

Martin

[Dave882]

Thanks so much Steve, Mike & Martin. I’m glad you liked it.
I’m really enjoying doing some long focal length imaging off the beaten path. Very happy how this one turned out even though there’s not as much to see as some of the more popular targets, but I’m loving the challenge these little guys present.

Mike- that NGC2438 in M46 is a great target I’d completely overlooked. I may see if I can get some data before it disappears for the year! Thanks for the tip

[TrevorW]

Need plenty aperture for these little planetary's, well done :)

[gregbradley]

A wonderful image and very high resolution.

Greg.

[Dave882]

Thanks Greg & Trevor I appreciate you taking to time to comment. These little gems are certainly challenging but I’m loving finding some new targets I’ve never attempted before- and the excitement when you don’t know what your data will reveal!

[vxcalais]

Wow thats clear. Lovely shot :)

[Dave882]

Thanks very much!