I’m honored to have another image chosen for the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) for May 18, 2023. This image of the Wolf-Rayet region WR134 was captured with the PlaneWave CDK12.5 and ASI6200MM Pro camera using narrowband filters plus red, green and blue to include natural color stars.
The panel below shows how the image was color mapped and assembled to create the final version. PixInsight was used to calibrate and stack all of the data from each element and then create a starless image of just that element (sulfur, hydrogen and oxygen). Those are then color mapped and combined in Photoshop to create a starless Natural SHO color image. This color mapping scheme is used since it preserves as much of each elements true color as possible while still providing some color separation to see where each element is most abundant. Sulfur is the most red, hydrogen is red – but not as red, and oxygen is cyan (green/blue). Finally, the image of just the stars (captured with red, green and blue filters) are added back to create the final full color picture.
The telescope used for this image is available to rent by the imaging hour. It’s a great option if you don’t have an imaging telescope but want to try a target, or if your scope isn’t quite right for the target you have in mind. It’s also a great way to try narrowband imaging before spending money on a monochrome astronomy camera and filters. And it’s even a great gift for someone special who has an interest in astronomy. Click here for more details.