M57 - Ring Nebula (2019)

The Ring Nebula (M57) is a planetary nebula formed when a sun-like star ejected the outer layers of ionized gas. This nebula is approximately 2000 light-years away in the constellation Lyra. Like all planetary nebula, M57 is also a type of emission nebula. In this image blue color in the center portion represents helium, the light blue color of the inner ring is hydrogen and oxygen, and the reddish and magenta color of the outer ring is from nitrogen and sulfur. Also, the blue dot in the center of the nebula is the core of the star - now a white dwarf.

The last time I imaged this was three years ago and have waited until I felt I could do better. The nebula and star field are much superior in this image than in my previous image due in part to better equipment and improved processing skills.

This was the first image since getting the electronic automatic focuser, ZWO EAF, and I love it. I have been able focus with this better and quicker than I ever was able to by hand. It was easy to install and works with APT really well. Although there is an automatic focus aid with APT, I find I get better focus with the Bahtinov mask. I will have to update my equipment profile soon as I have added a few behind the scenes tools.

Processing this was a bit tricky as the Ring seemed overexposed so I had to tone it down in Photoshop in order bring out the fine detail.  I normally don't crop my images this much but the Ring is very small and also I wanted to highlight the small barred spiral galaxy IC 1296 just left of M57. I did not even know about this until I processed the image but it turned out to be a nice surprise.

Cropped

Wide Field

M57 - The Ring Nebula
Location: Home Monroe, CT
Date: 6-21-19, 6-22-19, 6-23-19
Camera: ZWO ASI1600MM-Pro
Telescope: Astro-Tech AT115EDT 115mm Refractor Telescope
Barlow: None
Focal Length: 805mm
f/7
Focal Reducer: Astro-Tech 0.8x Focal Reducer/Field Flattener for Refractor Telescopes
Mount: Orion Sirius
Filter Wheel: ZWO EFW 8x 1.25"
Filter: ZWO L, R, G, B
Focuser: ZWO EAF

Autoguiding: QHY-5L-II-M attached to an Agena 50mm Guide Scope with Helical Focuser
Exposure: L 38 x 90s, R 39 x 90s, G 28 x 60s, B 32 x 60s

Gain: 139
Offset 21
Temp: 8 C
Post Processing: PixInsight, Photoshop, Lightroom
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