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SH2-101 - The Tulip Nebula

Introduction

Welcome to MTL Photos, where we explore the wonders of the night sky through astrophotography. Today, I'm delighted to share my latest capture: the magnificent Tulip Nebula (Sh2-101). This image was taken over a one-month period, from June 6 to July 7, 2024, and involved various processing trials in PixInsight.


About the Tulip Nebula

The Tulip Nebula, also known as Sh2-101, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cygnus, around 6,000 light-years from Earth. Its flower-like shape and vibrant colors make it a favorite target for astrophotographers. The nebula shines thanks to the young, hot star HD 227018, visible inside the Tulip. Notably, it is located near Cygnus X-1, a micro-quasar and one of the first suspected black holes discovered.


Capture details

  • Object designation: Sh2-101

  • Common name: Tulip Nebula

  • Constellation: Cygnus

  • Distance: 6,000 light-years

  • Magnitude: 9.0

  • Capture dates: June 6 to July 7, 2024


Technical details

  • Imaging telescope: Orion Newtonian 200/800 mm 8” f/4 Astrograph

  • Imaging camera: QHYCCD QHY249M (CMOS)

  • Mount: Equatorial Sky-Watcher EQ-6R Pro

  • Guiding telescope: Orion Newtonian 200/800 mm 8” f/4 Astrograph

  • Guiding camera: ZWO Optical ASI120 MM Mini (CMOS)

  • Filters :

    • Antlia H-alpha (Narrowband Hydrogen Alpha) Antlia Edge H-alpha 4.5nm 1.25"

    • Antlia OIII (Narrowband Oxygen 3) Antlia 4.5nm Narrowband Oxygen III (OIII) Edge Filter 1.25"

    • Optolong SII (Narrowband Sulfur 2) SII 6.5nm imaging narrow band filter for nebulae photography 1.25"

  • Accessories :

    • PrimaLuceLab Sesto Senso automatic focuser

    • Baader Planetarium MPCC mkIII 2.00” coma corrector

    • Filter wheel QHYCCD CFW3 US

    • Off-axis guide ZWO Optical ZWO OAG

  • Processing with : PixInsight (Pleiades Astrophoto) 1.8


Processing tests

To obtain the best possible image, I carried out several processing trials using PixInsight:

  • WBPP vs FBPP: I compared weighted batch processing (WBPP) to fast batch processing (FBPP) to see which method offered the best results.

  • GraXpert vs Gradient Correction: I tested GraXpert against traditional gradient correction techniques to manage background gradients.

  • AutoLinear Fit vs. Color Correction: I experimented with automatic linear fit and manual color correction to balance colors accurately.



Scientific information

The Tulip Nebula is a rich region of H II emission catalogued by Stewart Sharpless in 1959. It lies around 6,000 light-years from Earth and extends over some 70 light-years. The nebula is powered by ultraviolet radiation from the hot young star HD 227018, which ionizes the surrounding gas and causes it to emit light.One of the most intriguing features of the Tulip Nebula is its proximity to Cygnus X-1, a binary system containing one of the first suspected black holes. Cygnus X-1 lies about 15 arc minutes west of Sh2-101. The Cygnus X-1 black hole has a mass of around 15 solar masses and is accompanied by a 21-solar-mass supergiant star. The interaction between the black hole and its companion star creates a jet of energetic particles, visible as an arc shock in the nebula.


Location in the sky

For those interested in locating the Tulip Nebula, it's in the constellation Cygnus. Here's an image from a celestial atlas showing its position.


Conclusion

Capturing the Tulip Nebula was a rewarding experience. The intricate details and vibrant colors of this nebula in emission make it a remarkable object in the night sky. I hope this post inspires you to explore and capture the beauty of the cosmos.





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