Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888)

The Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) is formed by a special type of star which is extremely hot and massive (Wolf-Rayet). As the star sheds its outer layers, a bubble has formed. That’s what you are looking at. Eventually, the bubble will pop in an incredible supernova explosion. Maybe it has already exploded, but we won’t know for another 5000 years. It’s far away and it takes light that long to reach the Earth. The light blue shroud covering the nebula is made of oxygen atoms. The red clouds are composed of hydrogen and sulfur is also present.

Integration time was 600 minutes in Ha, OIII, and SII. Stacking was done in PixInsight and post processing was done using Star Tools. The learning curve for Star Tools was a lot less than PixInsight. However, I prefer the freedom to dial in the different processes that PixInsight has to offer. Star Tools is another tool to help bring images together. At this stage with my limited processing knowledge, I can use all the help I can get!