Sh2-124, LBN 421, 423, 426

Sh2-124, LBN 421, 423, 426 - Cygnus

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE VIEW (8020x5360)

Scope: FSQ-106N at f/5, Location: DAA Observatory, Shelter Valley, CA; Dates: 15 September, 8 and 13 October, 2023, Camera: ASI2600MM (Astronomik type 2c RGB, 6 nm Ha and OIII filters)

Exposure: Exposure: Ha - 96 x 3.5 min (gain-160 1x1), OIII - 96 x 3.5 min (gain-160 1x1), RGB - 28 x 2 min (gain-101 1x1) each RGB exposures.

Processing: Data Collection - N.I.N.A. Sequencer (as FITs). Sub-frame calibration - Pixinsight (WBPP). Sub-frame registration and integration (Average combine - Winsorized sigma clipping) - PixInsight (WBPP). 2x Drizzle of Ha and OIII - PixInsight (WBPP). Noise reduction - NoiseXTerminator - PixInsight. Non-linear stretching, normalization and gradient removal - PixInsight. Photometric RGB calibration (SPCC) - PixInsight. Deconvolution of Ha, OIII, and RGB- BlurXTerminator. Generation of starless nebulosity Ha, OIII , and RGB images for later processing - Star XTerminator. Curves, Levels, RGB combine - PixInsight. RGB Stars and starless combine - PixInsight. Final finishing - Affinity Photo. Annotation - PixInsight, Aladin (Simbad ), and Affinity Photo. This image is a modified HOO Narrow Band starless composition - with RGB stars added. Image processed at 12496x8352 resolution. Final Image size is approximately 8020x5360.

North is to the right in this image (90 degree rotation). The brighter region in the lower center is LBN 423; Sh2-124 is the more extended region beyond this brighter area according to original Lynds and Sharpless catalogs. LBN 421 and LBN 426 at further extents are also related in overall HII region structure. For some reason, Sh2-124 and LBN 426 are considered equivalent ID's according to Simbad. The Dark Nebulae surrounding are LDN 1043, 1048, 1057, 1059 and TGU H555, TGU H557 P1. The distance to Sh2-124 is uncertain based on several research measurements of 8,480, 11,800 and 14,300 light years.

Also in this image is the variable star V645 Cyg which has been extensively studied. A 2009 study had concluded "... that V645 Cyg is a young, massive, main-sequence star, which recently emerged from its cocoon and has already experienced its protostellar accretion stage". A 13 year photometric study (2009-2022) showed chaotic brightness changes, yet an overall monotonous increase in brightness.

These objects and some of the brighter stars are identified in the annotated image. Horizontal FOV is approximately 2.55 degrees. Full size image scale is about 1.14 arcsec/pix.

Image center is approximately - Equatorial 2000: RA: 21h 40m 10s Dec: +50°20'57"

All images and content remain the property of Jim Thommes - copyright 2003 - 2024

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