Clouds of Polaris

Image Details:

Many know the North Star to be a point reliably used for navigation (in this hemisphere of the world), but few know that it is surrounded by an area extensive yet dim nebulosity which extends in all directions by several degrees. The type of nebulosity seen in this image is called Integrated Flux Nebula (IFN), a type of dispersed interstellar dust and gas which resides on the outer edges of our galaxy and softly glows due to the reflected ambient light of all the stars within it.

EQUIPMENT:

• Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM at f/2.8

• Astromodified Canon T3i

• iOptron Skyguider Pro

EXPOSURES:

• 252 x 120” at ISO 800 (8h 24m total)

MISC DETAILS:

• Processing Software: PixInsight

• Taken from: Okie-Tex Star Party 2021, Bortle 1

• Capture Dates: 3-4 October, 2021