Cigar Galaxy (M82)
The Cigar Galaxy, or M82, is a magnificent sight to behold.
Known for its distinctive elongated shape, which resembles a cigar, this galaxy is a gem in the Ursa Major constellation.
What makes M82 particularly fascinating is its intense starburst activity, which is a hotbed of stellar formation.
Astrophotography: A Visual Feast
Capturing the M82 through my RC telescope has been an incredible experience. Despite using a one-shot color camera,
the Player One filter allowed me to capture Ha and OIII, while the Antlia Quadband filter captured Ha, SII, OIII and NII.
Additionally, the Triad Ultra Quad filter captured H-Beta, OIII, Ha, and SII.
Here’s the method I followed, with some help on data splitting (thanks to Ahmed Wegdan for the PixelMath formula):
Integrate data from each filter separately.
1- SPCC each image.
2- Automatic DBE, BlurXterminator.
3- Extract the luminance from the Player One UV IR-CUT.
4- For the Player One filter:
* Split RGB.
* Create Ha.
* Create OIII.
5- For the Antlia filter:
* Split RGB.
* Create OIII.
* Create SII.
* Create Ha.
5- For the Triad filter:
* Split RGB.
* Create OIII.
* Create SII.
* Create Ha.
6- Combine all to Ha, OIII, and SII images.
7- Stretch the three images (Ha, OIII, SII).
8- Use the LRGB combination:
* Luminance from UV IR-CUT.
* Red: SII.
* Green: Ha.
* Blue: OIII.
9- Add the Ha from Triad to the LRGB (using the Combine Ha with RGB script).
The resulting image features vibrant hues of red and blue, indicating regions of high star formation and intricate dust lanes.
M82 is not just visually stunning; it holds significant scientific value.
The galaxy is approximately 12 million light-years away from Earth and is undergoing massive star formation.
M82 is a galaxy that offers both beauty and intrigue.
Whether you’re looking to capture its splendor or seeking to understand the
complexities of star formation, the Cigar Galaxy does not disappoint.
M82 remains one of my favorite galaxies, embodying the endless wonders of our universe..
Telescope TS-Optics 300mm/12" f/8 Ritchey-Chrétien Astrograph (truss)
Camera ZWO ASI2600MC DUO
Mount iOptron CEM120
Filters AntliaTriband RGB Ultra Filter - 2.00'' Mounted, Player OneAnti-Halo Pro Dual-Band Ha+OIII Filter 2", Player OneUV/IR Cut 2", RadianTriad Ultra 2"
Location: Matthews, NC
Date: February, 2025