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Saturday, February 21, 2015

A two frame mosaic of the Veil Nebula in light of ionized oxygen only



I started an imaging project of the Veil Nebula at 05. of  November 2014. After this short period of time, clouds rolled in for about three months and my project was interrupted. Now the Veil nebula is too low in the horizon and I need to wait to next Autumn to finalize this image. In two nights, I shot 36 frames of O-III emission, 20 min. each, total 12 hours. There are two panels stitched together, exposure time for each panel is 6h. 


Pickering's Triangle in O-III light alone
Part of the Veil nebula supernova remnant in Cygnus

A colorized emission of ionized oxygen (O-III) of the Veil Nebula


A closeup
Click for a large photo



A horizontal version
(Click for a large photo, 1850x1000 pixels)



An older wide field photo of the veil nebula in O-III light
image is colorized

The area of  mosaic image is marked as a white rectangle, an apparent size of the full Moon as a scale.

Pickering's Triangle in mapped colors
An older photo from  2012

Image is in mapped colors from an emission of  the ionized elements. Golden areas 
are from emission of sulfur and hydrogen, bluish hues are from ionized oxygen.
Original blog post with the technical details can be seen HERE


An older wide field image of the Veil nebula
Image is in mapped colors from emission of ionized elements, H-a, S-II and O-III

More info and the technical details can be found from HERE


Technical details

Processing work flow
Image acquisition, MaxiDL v5.07.
Stacked and calibrated in CCDStack2.
Color combine in PS CS3
Levels and curves in PS CS3.

Imaging optics
Celestron Edge HD 1100 @ f7 with 0,7 focal reducer for Edge HD 1100 telescope

Cameras and filters
Imaging camera Apogee Alta U16 and Apogee seven slot filter wheel
Guider camera, Lodestar x2
Astrodon filter, 3m O-III

Exposure times
O-III, 36 x 1200s = 12h, 6h for each panel.



Friday, February 20, 2015

An experimental 3D-study of the IC 405, the Flaming Star Nebula



Images are for two different viewing methods, the first set of images is for the Parallel Vision method and the second set for the Cross Vision method. Viewing instructions can be seen HERE.

NOTE! This is a personal vision about forms and shapes, based on some scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression. A short explanation, about the method used for the 3D conversion of my astrophoto, at the end of this post.

IC 405 as a freeview stereo pairs

For a parallel viewing method (Eyes parallel to each other)

Image pair for the Parallel Vision viewing method, click for a large image.
Original 2D-image and technical details can be seen HERE.


For a cross vision viewing method (Eyes crossed)

Image pair for the Cross Vision viewing method, click for a large image.
Original 2D-image and technical details can be seen HERE.


More 3D-experiments in my portfolio, including  the


HOW?

I have been asked many times, how my 3D-images are done, so here it goes!

All the original 2D-images are imaged by me, if not otherwise stated.
Due the huge distances, no real parallax can be imaged for a volumetric information.

I have developed a method to turn any 2D-astronomical image to a various 3D-formats. The result is always an approximation of the reality, based on some known scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression.

What are the known facts?

By using a scientifically estimated distance of the object, I can organize right amount of stars front and behind the object. (as then we know the absolute position of the object at our Milky-way)
Stars are divided to groups by apparent brightness, that can be used as a draft distance indicator, brighter the closer.  There is usually a known star cluster or a star(s) coursing the ionization and they can be placed in right relative position to the nebula itself .

Generally emission nebulae are not lit by the starlight directly but radiation from stars ionizing gases in the nebula. Hence the nebula itself is emitting its own light, at wavelength typical to each element. Due to that, and the thickness of the nebula can be estimated by its brightness, thicker = brighter. Nebulae are also more or less transparent, so we can see "both sides" at the same time.

Many other relative distances can be figured out just carefully studying the image, like dark nebulae must be front of bright ones. The local stellar wind, radiation pressure, from the star cluster, shapes the nebula, For that reason, pillar like formations must point to a cluster. ( Look previous image, above this text.) Same radiation pressure usually forms kind of cavitation, at the nebulosa, around the star cluster, by blowing away all the gas around the source of stellar wind. The ionized oxygen, O-III, emits blueish light, it requires lots of energy to ionize. Due to that, the blue glowing area locates usually near the source of ionization, at the heart of the nebula. This and many other small indicators can be found by carefully studying the image itself.

Using the known data, I can build a kind of skeleton model of the nebula. Then the artistic part is mixed to a scientific part, rest is very much like a sculpting.

WHY?

Firstly, they are great fun to do. Secondly, just because I can.

Many times images of nebulae looks like paintings on the canvas. I like to show a real nature of those distant objects as a three dimensional shapes floating in a three dimensional volume. This is a great way to show, how I personally see astronomical targets as a 3D-forms inside my head.

3D-experiments seems to increase a public interest to a subject, as you might have noticed.
I have studied my astronomical images much deeper, than ever without 3D-modeling.

3D-studies has really added a new dimension to my work as an astronomical photographer. (pun intended)


Thursday, February 19, 2015

A 3D-study of the IC 410 as a free view stereo pair



Images are for two different viewing methods, the first set of images is for the Parallel Vision method and the second set for the Cross Vision method. Viewing instructions can be seen HERE.

NOTE! This is a personal vision about forms and shapes, based on some scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression. A short explanation, about the method used for the 3D conversion of my astrophoto, at the end of this post.

IC 410 as a freeview stereo pairs

For a parallel viewing method (Eyes parallel to each other)

Nebula for the Parallel Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE

For a cross vision viewing method (Eyes crossed)


Nebula for the Cross Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE

An anaglyph Red/Cyan 3D version
Note. Red/Cyan glasses are needed, red lens goes to left eye



What is visible in this 3D-study? 

Note how the "Tadpoles" in the 3d-image are pointing to a source of ionization, in this case an open cluster. The gas has collapsed in tadpoles. They are dense enough to resist the radiation pressure (a solar wind) from an open cluster. (The cluster can be seen inside of the ionization zone in the 3D image). New stars are forming at the tips of the tadpoles and the radiation pressure spreads the rest of the gas as a tale behind. Both formations are about ten light years long. Rest of the gas is driven away around the star cluster by the solar wind. The same solar wind is ionizing elements in the gas cloud and they are emitting light. Ionized oxygen emits blueish light, it's visible just around the open cluster. Ionization from hydrogen and sulfur together can be seen as golden hues.


More 3D-experiments in my portfolio, including  the


HOW?

I have been asked many times, how my 3D-images are done, so here it goes!

All the original 2D-images are imaged by me, if not otherwise stated.
Due the huge distances, no real parallax can be imaged for a volumetric information.

I have developed a method to turn any 2D-astronomical image to a various 3D-formats. The result is always an approximation of the reality, based on some known scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression.

What are the known facts?

By using a scientifically estimated distance of the object, I can organize right amount of stars front and behind the object. (as then we know the absolute position of the object at our Milky-way)
Stars are divided to groups by apparent brightness, that can be used as a draft distance indicator, brighter the closer.  There is usually a known star cluster or a star(s) coursing the ionization and they can be placed in right relative position to the nebula itself .

Generally emission nebulae are not lit by the starlight directly but radiation from stars ionizing gases in the nebula. Hence the nebula itself is emitting its own light, at wavelength typical to each element. Due to that, and the thickness of the nebula can be estimated by its brightness, thicker = brighter. Nebulae are also more or less transparent, so we can see "both sides" at the same time.

Many other relative distances can be figured out just carefully studying the image, like dark nebulae must be front of bright ones. The local stellar wind, radiation pressure, from the star cluster, shapes the nebula, For that reason, pillar like formations must point to a cluster. ( Look previous image, above this text.) Same radiation pressure usually forms kind of cavitation, at the nebulosa, around the star cluster, by blowing away all the gas around the source of stellar wind. The ionized oxygen, O-III, emits blueish light, it requires lots of energy to ionize. Due to that, the blue glowing area locates usually near the source of ionization, at the heart of the nebula. This and many other small indicators can be found by carefully studying the image itself.

Using the known data, I can build a kind of skeleton model of the nebula. Then the artistic part is mixed to a scientific part, rest is very much like a sculpting.

WHY?

Firstly, they are great fun to do. Secondly, just because I can.

Many times images of nebulae looks like paintings on the canvas. I like to show a real nature of those distant objects as a three dimensional shapes floating in a three dimensional volume. This is a great way to show, how I personally see astronomical targets as a 3D-forms inside my head.

3D-experiments seems to increase a public interest to a subject, as you might have noticed.
I have studied my astronomical images much deeper, than ever without 3D-modeling.

3D-studies has really added a new dimension to my work as an astronomical photographer. (pun intended)




Monday, February 16, 2015

IC 405, the Flaming Star Nebula



A new photo from the night of February 14. I tried something little different, than usually. I tried to capture the reflection nebula component in IC 405. Usually I don't shoot broadband data since in my location the light pollution dominating the sky. An hour with the blue filter showed the reflection component nicely, so I added it to the narrowband data. It can be seen as a bluish formation at middle right.


IC 405 (Sharpless 229, Sh2-229)
In constellation Auriga, click for a large image

Natural color composition from the emission of ionized elements, R=80%Hydrogen+20%Sulfur, G=100%Oxygen and B=85%Oxygen+15%Hydrogen to compensate otherwise missing H-beta emission. This composition is very close to a visual spectrum.

A closeup
From photo above, click for a large image


The reflection nebula can be seen as a blue color in this visual colors photo.
Emissions of ionized elements, hydrogen, sulfur and oxygen, are combined to a visual spectrum.
Broadband element is then added to a final image, since narrowband  photo alone doesn't show it.

 
Image in mapped colors


Image is in mapped colors from an emission of  the ionized elements. Golden areas 
are from emission of sulfur and hydrogen, bluish hues are from ionized oxygen and some reflection nebula.

A closeup


The reflection component is visible in this narrowband photo of IC 405. It can be seen as a bluish color.


INFO


IC 405, the Flaming Star Nebula, is also known as Sharpless 229 (Sh2-229) or a Caldwell 31. It's a mixture of  an emission and reflection components. Usually the reflection component is not visible in narrowband photos but I shot it separately with a  blue filter. This nebula located in constellation Auriga at distance of about 1500 light years.


IC 405 in emission of hydrogen alone (H-alpha)


H-alpha emission in IC 405


An experimental starless version


The actual nebula stands out better without the stars.


Orientation in an older wide field photo

The are of interest is marked as a white rectangle. Info about this photo HERE


Technical details


Processing work flow
Image acquisition, MaxiDL v5.07.
Stacked and calibrated in CCDStack2.
Deconvolution with a CCDStack2 Positive Constraint, 33 iterations, added at 50% weight
Color combine in PS CS3
Levels and curves in PS CS3.

Imaging optics
Celestron Edge HD 1100 @ f7 with 0,7 focal reducer for Edge HD 1100 telescope

Cameras and filters
Imaging camera Apogee Alta U16 and Apogee seven slot filter wheel
Guider camera, Lodestar x2
Astrodon filter, 5nm H-alpha
Astrodon filter, 3nm O-III
Astrodon filter, 3nm S-II

Exposure times
H-alpha, 12 x 1200s = 4h
O-III, 3 x 1200s, binned 4x4 = 1h
S-II, 3x1200s, binned 4x4 = 1h
Red, 3 x 600s, binned 2x2=30min.
Green, 3 x 600s, binned 2x2=30min.
Blue, 6 x 600s, binned 2x2=1h
Total 8h

A single un cropped, calibrated and stretched 20 min. H-alpha frame






Saturday, February 14, 2015

New photo, IC 410 in Auriga



We have had very few clear nights at this winter season. At night of February 12 I managed to get enough lights for this object to make a finalized color photo out of it.

IC 410, a "Cosmic Fertilization"

Image is in mapped colors from an emission of  the ionized elements. Golden areas 
are from emission of sulfur and hydrogen, bluish hues are from ionized oxygen.


A closeup




INFO

Emission nebula IC 410 and an open cluster, NGC 1893 inside it, are located in constellation Auriga about 12.000 light years from my home town Oulu, Finland. The cloud of glowing gas is over 100 light-years across, sculpted by stellar winds and radiation from embedded open star cluster NGC 1893.
"Cosmic tadpoles" are potentially sites of ongoing star formation, they are about 10 light-years long.
Emission from sulfur atoms is shown in red, hydrogen atoms in green, and oxygen in blue hues in this mapped color composite image.


IC 410 in visual colors

Natural color composition from the emission of ionized elements, R=80%Hydrogen+20%Sulfur, G=100%Oxygen and B=85%Oxygen+15%Hydrogen to compensate otherwise missing H-beta emission. This composition is very close to a visual spectrum.


Some older wide field photos of the area

12-panel mosaic of the constellation Auriga. IC 410 can be seen as a blueish area at upper middle.
Original blog post about this photo HERE

IC 410 at lower middle. Info about this photo HERE

Technical details

A CCDInspector analysis map of the optical quality

Celestron Edge HD 1100 has a wonderful optical quality. Collimation is now spot on and the scope seems to hold it very well.

Processing work flow

Image acquisition, MaxiDL v5.07.
Stacked and calibrated in CCDStack2.
Deconvolution with a CCDStack2 Positive Constraint, 33 iterations, added at 50% weight
Color combine in PS CS3
Levels and curves in PS CS3.

Imaging optics
Celestron Edge HD 1100 @ f7 with 0,7 focal reducer for Edge HD 1100 telescope

Cameras and filters
Imaging camera Apogee Alta U16 and Apogee seven slot filter wheel
Guider camera, Lodestar x2
Astrodon filter, 5nm H-alpha
Astrodon filter, 3nm O-III
Astrodon filter, 3nm S-II

Exposure times
H-alpha, 12 x 1200s = 4h
O-III, 4 x 1200s = 1h 20 min.
S-II, 5x1200s = 1h 40 min.
Total 7h

A single un cropped, calibrated and stretched 20 min. H-alpha frame




Thursday, February 12, 2015

Sharpless 132, Sh2-132, as an experimental 3D stereo pair


Images are for two different viewing methods, the first set of images is for the Parallel Vision method and the second set for the Cross Vision method. Viewing instructions can be seen HERE.

NOTE! This is a personal vision about forms and shapes, based on some scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression. A short explanation, about the method used for the 3D conversion of my astrophoto, at the end of this post.

Sharpless 132 as a freeview stereo pair

For a parallel viewing method (Eyes parallel to each other)

Nebula for the Parallel Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE


For a cross vision viewing method (Eyes crossed)

Nebula for the Cross Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE

More 3D-experiments in my portfolio, including  the
Red/Cyan anaglyph 3D: http://astroanarchy.zenfolio.com/f359296072


HOW?

I have been asked many times, how my 3D-images are done, so here it goes!

All the original 2D-images are imaged by me, if not otherwise stated.
Due the huge distances, no real parallax can be imaged for a volumetric information.

I have developed a method to turn any 2D-astronomical image to a various 3D-formats. The result is always an approximation of the reality, based on some known scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression.

What are the known facts?

By using a scientifically estimated distance of the object, I can organize right amount of stars front and behind the object. (as then we know the absolute position of the object at our Milky-way)
Stars are divided to groups by apparent brightness, that can be used as a draft distance indicator, brighter the closer.  There is usually a known star cluster or a star(s) coursing the ionization and they can be placed in right relative position to the nebula itself .

Generally emission nebulae are not lit by the starlight directly but radiation from stars ionizing gases in the nebula. Hence the nebula itself is emitting its own light, at wavelength typical to each element. Due to that, and the thickness of the nebula can be estimated by its brightness, thicker = brighter. Nebulae are also more or less transparent, so we can see "both sides" at the same time.

Many other relative distances can be figured out just carefully studying the image, like dark nebulae must be front of bright ones. The local stellar wind, radiation pressure, from the star cluster, shapes the nebula, For that reason, pillar like formations must point to a cluster. ( Look previous image, above this text.) Same radiation pressure usually forms kind of cavitation, at the nebulosa, around the star cluster, by blowing away all the gas around the source of stellar wind. The ionized oxygen, O-III, emits blueish light, it requires lots of energy to ionize. Due to that, the blue glowing area locates usually near the source of ionization, at the heart of the nebula. This and many other small indicators can be found by carefully studying the image itself.

Using the known data, I can build a kind of skeleton model of the nebula. Then the artistic part is mixed to a scientific part, rest is very much like a sculpting.

WHY?

Firstly, they are great fun to do. Secondly, just because I can.

Many times images of nebulae looks like paintings on the canvas. I like to show a real nature of those distant objects as a three dimensional shapes floating in a three dimensional volume. This is a great way to show, how I personally see astronomical targets as a 3D-forms inside my head.

3D-experiments seems to increase a public interest to a subject, as you might have noticed.
I have studied my astronomical images much deeper, than ever without 3D-modeling.

3D-studies has really added a new dimension to my work as an astronomical photographer. (pun intended)





Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Pelican Nebula as an experimental 3D stereo pair


Images are for two different viewing methods, the first set of images is for the Parallel Vision method and the second set for the Cross Vision method. Viewing instructions can be seen HERE.

NOTE! This is a personal vision about forms and shapes, based on some scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression. A short explanation, about the method used for the 3D conversion of my astrophoto, at the end of this post.

Pelican Nebula as a freeview stereo pair

For a parallel viewing method (Eyes parallel to each other)


Nebula for the Parallel Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE


For a cross vision viewing method (Eyes crossed)


Nebula for the Cross Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE

More 3D-experiments in my portfolio, including  the
Red/Cyan anaglyph 3D: http://astroanarchy.zenfolio.com/f359296072


HOW?

I have been asked many times, how my 3D-images are done, so here it goes!

All the original 2D-images are imaged by me, if not otherwise stated.
Due the huge distances, no real parallax can be imaged for a volumetric information.

I have developed a method to turn any 2D-astronomical image to a various 3D-formats. The result is always an approximation of the reality, based on some known scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression.

What are the known facts?

By using a scientifically estimated distance of the object, I can organize right amount of stars front and behind the object. (as then we know the absolute position of the object at our Milky-way)
Stars are divided to groups by apparent brightness, that can be used as a draft distance indicator, brighter the closer.  There is usually a known star cluster or a star(s) coursing the ionization and they can be placed in right relative position to the nebula itself .

Generally emission nebulae are not lit by the starlight directly but radiation from stars ionizing gases in the nebula. Hence the nebula itself is emitting its own light, at wavelength typical to each element. Due to that, and the thickness of the nebula can be estimated by its brightness, thicker = brighter. Nebulae are also more or less transparent, so we can see "both sides" at the same time.

Many other relative distances can be figured out just carefully studying the image, like dark nebulae must be front of bright ones. The local stellar wind, radiation pressure, from the star cluster, shapes the nebula, For that reason, pillar like formations must point to a cluster. ( Look previous image, above this text.) Same radiation pressure usually forms kind of cavitation, at the nebulosa, around the star cluster, by blowing away all the gas around the source of stellar wind. The ionized oxygen, O-III, emits blueish light, it requires lots of energy to ionize. Due to that, the blue glowing area locates usually near the source of ionization, at the heart of the nebula. This and many other small indicators can be found by carefully studying the image itself.

Using the known data, I can build a kind of skeleton model of the nebula. Then the artistic part is mixed to a scientific part, rest is very much like a sculpting.

WHY?

Firstly, they are great fun to do. Secondly, just because I can.

Many times images of nebulae looks like paintings on the canvas. I like to show a real nature of those distant objects as a three dimensional shapes floating in a three dimensional volume. This is a great way to show, how I personally see astronomical targets as a 3D-forms inside my head.

3D-experiments seems to increase a public interest to a subject, as you might have noticed.
I have studied my astronomical images much deeper, than ever without 3D-modeling.

3D-studies has really added a new dimension to my work as an astronomical photographer. (pun intended)




Monday, February 9, 2015

Bubble Nebula as an experimental 3D stereo pair


Images are for two different viewing methods, the first set of images is for the Parallel Vision method and the second set for the Cross Vision method. Viewing instructions can be seen HERE.

NOTE! This is a personal vision about forms and shapes, based on some scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression. A short explanation, about the method used for the 3D conversion of my astrophoto, at the end of this post.

Bubble Nebula as a freeview stereo pair

For a parallel viewing method (Eyes parallel to each other)

Nebula for the Parallel Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE


For a cross vision viewing method (Eyes crossed)

Nebula for the Cross Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE

More 3D-experiments in my portfolio, including  the
Red/Cyan anaglyph 3D: http://astroanarchy.zenfolio.com/f359296072


HOW?

I have been asked many times, how my 3D-images are done, so here it goes!

All the original 2D-images are imaged by me, if not otherwise stated.
Due the huge distances, no real parallax can be imaged for a volumetric information.

I have developed a method to turn any 2D-astronomical image to a various 3D-formats. The result is always an approximation of the reality, based on some known scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression.

What are the known facts?

By using a scientifically estimated distance of the object, I can organize right amount of stars front and behind the object. (as then we know the absolute position of the object at our Milky-way)
Stars are divided to groups by apparent brightness, that can be used as a draft distance indicator, brighter the closer.  There is usually a known star cluster or a star(s) coursing the ionization and they can be placed in right relative position to the nebula itself .

Generally emission nebulae are not lit by the starlight directly but radiation from stars ionizing gases in the nebula. Hence the nebula itself is emitting its own light, at wavelength typical to each element. Due to that, and the thickness of the nebula can be estimated by its brightness, thicker = brighter. Nebulae are also more or less transparent, so we can see "both sides" at the same time.

Many other relative distances can be figured out just carefully studying the image, like dark nebulae must be front of bright ones. The local stellar wind, radiation pressure, from the star cluster, shapes the nebula, For that reason, pillar like formations must point to a cluster. ( Look previous image, above this text.) Same radiation pressure usually forms kind of cavitation, at the nebulosa, around the star cluster, by blowing away all the gas around the source of stellar wind. The ionized oxygen, O-III, emits blueish light, it requires lots of energy to ionize. Due to that, the blue glowing area locates usually near the source of ionization, at the heart of the nebula. This and many other small indicators can be found by carefully studying the image itself.

Using the known data, I can build a kind of skeleton model of the nebula. Then the artistic part is mixed to a scientific part, rest is very much like a sculpting.

WHY?

Firstly, they are great fun to do. Secondly, just because I can.

Many times images of nebulae looks like paintings on the canvas. I like to show a real nature of those distant objects as a three dimensional shapes floating in a three dimensional volume. This is a great way to show, how I personally see astronomical targets as a 3D-forms inside my head.

3D-experiments seems to increase a public interest to a subject, as you might have noticed.
I have studied my astronomical images much deeper, than ever without 3D-modeling.

3D-studies has really added a new dimension to my work as an astronomical photographer. (pun intended)




Abell 85 (CTB1), a dim Galactic Supernova Remnant in Cassiopeia


I managed to collect some lights for this object between 19.01 - 08.02. 2015. The transparency was poor at all nights and speeding clouds interrupted the imaging session way too soon. Altogether I collected only four hours of H-a and two hours of O-III.


Abell 85 (CTB1) 
SNR G116.9+00.1 in constellation Cassiopeia

A bicolor photo of Abell 85 from an emission of ionized elements,
Oxygen and Hydrogen (O-III and H-alpha)

An experimental starless photo shows the actual SNR better

The ionized oxygen, O-III, can be seen as a blue color. The O-III channel is very weak and I was able to dig it out it only at left side of the shock front.


The supernova remnant in H-alpha light alone



INFO

Abell 85 is a very faint supernova remnant in constellation Cassiopeia. It's difficult to image with any details due to extremely low surface brightness. Abell 85 has a largish diameter, about half a degree, it has a same apparent diameter as a full Moon. The physical diameter is about 98 light years across. This SNR locates about 9800 light years from the Earth. CTB1 was originally thought to be a planetary nebula and it was included the Abell catalog of planetary nebulae under a name Abell 85. It was confirmed to be a supernova remnant by Willis & Dickel at 1971.

Technical details

Processing work flow
Image acquisition, MaxiDL v5.07.
Stacked and calibrated in CCDStack2.
Deconvolution with a CCDStack2 Positive Constraint, 33 iterations, added at 50% weight
Color combine in PS CS3
Levels and curves in PS CS3.

Imaging optics
Celestron Edge HD 1100 @ f7 with 0,7 focal reducer for Edge HD 1100 telescope

Cameras and filters
Imaging camera Apogee Alta U16 and Apogee seven slot filter wheel
Guider camera, Lodestar x2
Astrodon filter, 5nm H-alpha
Astrodon filter, 3nm O-III

Exposure times
H-alpha, 12 x 1200s binned 2x2 = 4h
O-II, 6 x 1200s bined 4x4 = 2h


A single un cropped, calibrated and stretched, 20 min. H-alpha frame




Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Supernova remnant IC 443. the Jellyfish Nebula, as an experimental 3d stereo pair



Images are for two different viewing methods, the first set of images is for the Parallel Vision method and the second set for the Cross Vision method. Viewing instructions can be seen HERE.

NOTE! This is a personal vision about forms and shapes, based on some scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression. A short explanation, about the method used for the 3D conversion of my astrophoto, at the end of this post.

IC 443 supernova remnant as a freeview stereo pair

For a parallel viewing method (Eyes parallel to each other)

Nebula for the Parallel Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE


For a cross vision viewing method (Eyes crossed)

Nebula for the Cross Vision viewing method. Click for a large image.
Original 2D-image can be seen in HERE

More 3D-experiments in my portfolio, including  the
Red/Cyan anaglyph 3D: http://astroanarchy.zenfolio.com/f359296072


HOW?

I have been asked many times, how my 3D-images are done, so here it goes!

All the original 2D-images are imaged by me, if not otherwise stated.
Due the huge distances, no real parallax can be imaged for a volumetric information.

I have developed a method to turn any 2D-astronomical image to a various 3D-formats. The result is always an approximation of the reality, based on some known scientific facts, deduction and an artistic impression.

What are the known facts?

By using a scientifically estimated distance of the object, I can organize right amount of stars front and behind the object. (as then we know the absolute position of the object at our Milky-way)
Stars are divided to groups by apparent brightness, that can be used as a draft distance indicator, brighter the closer.  There is usually a known star cluster or a star(s) coursing the ionization and they can be placed in right relative position to the nebula itself .

Generally emission nebulae are not lit by the starlight directly but radiation from stars ionizing gases in the nebula. Hence the nebula itself is emitting its own light, at wavelength typical to each element. Due to that, and the thickness of the nebula can be estimated by its brightness, thicker = brighter. Nebulae are also more or less transparent, so we can see "both sides" at the same time.

Many other relative distances can be figured out just carefully studying the image, like dark nebulae must be front of bright ones. The local stellar wind, radiation pressure, from the star cluster, shapes the nebula, For that reason, pillar like formations must point to a cluster. ( Look previous image, above this text.) Same radiation pressure usually forms kind of cavitation, at the nebulosa, around the star cluster, by blowing away all the gas around the source of stellar wind. The ionized oxygen, O-III, emits blueish light, it requires lots of energy to ionize. Due to that, the blue glowing area locates usually near the source of ionization, at the heart of the nebula. This and many other small indicators can be found by carefully studying the image itself.

Using the known data, I can build a kind of skeleton model of the nebula. Then the artistic part is mixed to a scientific part, rest is very much like a sculpting.

WHY?

Firstly, they are great fun to do. Secondly, just because I can.

Many times images of nebulae looks like paintings on the canvas. I like to show a real nature of those distant objects as a three dimensional shapes floating in a three dimensional volume. This is a great way to show, how I personally see astronomical targets as a 3D-forms inside my head.

3D-experiments seems to increase a public interest to a subject, as you might have noticed.
I have studied my astronomical images much deeper, than ever without 3D-modeling.

3D-studies has really added a new dimension to my work as an astronomical photographer. (pun intended)


Monday, February 2, 2015

An exhibition in Oulu, Finland



Astronomical nature photographing, the exhibition open today
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12-18.00 every week until the end of the February.
Kajaaninkatu 13, Oulu, welcome!

The poster photo shows a part of the Cederblad 214 emission nebula.
More info about his photo HERE


A MAP




The Pelican Nebula at bottom left, an aluminum print at size of 62x110cm and many others at size around 50x70cm.



Large aluminium print of the Moon, 60x165cm