The Pacman Nebula, NGC 281, is surrounded by clouds of gas and dust that can be detected by the use of deep integrations. This work aims to show a new view of this popular target by the use of broadband band filters (LRGB) and a super narrow band Hydrogen filter (3nm bandpass). I started capturing data for this project back in September 2024 and finished the acquisition this January 2025.
Tiny galaxies can be seen all over the field of view thanks to the nearly 50 hours of data captured with the Luminance filter together with the 14 hours of R, G, B broadband color data. The dusty IFN clouds drive our sight to LDN 1299, a small reflection nebula measuring 10 arcminutes across.
A new universe is hidden behind deep integrations. I needed more than 62h to unveil this deep view of the Pacman Nebula.
The full image covers an area of 2º 26′ x 1º 41′ at a resolution of 1.46″/pixel.
Image Details
FSQ106:
L: 570 x 300″ (47h 30′)
RGB: (150,150,138 x 120″) (14h 36′)
Ha: 406 x 300″ (33h 50’)
Total exposure: 95h 56′
Moon at 30% (on average)
Image resolution: 1.46”/pixel
FOV (full image): 2º 26′ x 1º 41′
Equipment
FSQ106 EDX4 + ASI2600MM + LRGB Astrodon filters + Ha3nm Antlia – with ZWO EFW 7 pos
Mesu200 mount
Guiding with ASI120MM and ZWO Mini Guide Scope
Software
SGP, PHD2, APP, PIX, TPZ, PS.
Aleix Roig, February 2025
Prades (Tarragona, Catalonia – Spain).