Barnard 150 / Dark Seahorse Nebula

NameDark Seahorse Nebula
Designation(s)Barnard 150
Object Type(s)Dark Nebula
Relevant Catalog(s)All (Chron)
Obs. Lat/Long42° 17', 073° 57'
ConstellationCepheus
Date and Time Observed2024-08-27 22:00:00
InstrumentAskar V 80mm w flattener f6.2-495mm FL
CameraASI294MC-Pro
Image DetailsUp is 271.1 degrees E of N. Total integration time was 40m. Exposures 30s@305g, UV/IR Cut Filter. Darks subtracted, no flats. Dithered and recentered in SharpCap. No guiding.
DescriptionThis was my second attempt at this enigmatic nebula. It's one of the first dark nebulae I've observed that stands by itself without a bright nebula in the background as well. The first attempt -- 3 days earlier -- had not gone well. With most astronomy targets, the object of interest is brighter than the background... you do everything you can to keep the background dim. With a dark nebula, the darkest part is the foreground. So you have to rethink your standard image settings and habits.
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