As I am now into my second year of astrophotography, I am re-imaging objects in the Cygnus-Cepheus-Cassiopeia constellation corridor with techniques I have improved upon. The area is chock-full of targets. So full, in fact, that I ran out of time last year to image this one before it passed out of view for the winter. Lobster Claw Nebula is a new one for me and I'm glad I finally got to it.
This is an exciting target because most astro targets have a rounded, bulbous look, but the Lobster Claw has two arcs that converge to a definitive angled point, lending to its namesake. Even in sub-exposures, it's possible to make out a shape that resembles the business end of a lobster.
The Lobster Claw Nebula is a planetary nebula 11,000 light years away and is primarily composed of Hydrogen. Stewart Sharpless discovered it in 1959.
As a complete surprise, I also captured the Bubble Nebula, located near the bottom of the image. I didn't realize the two nebulae were so close to one another and will compose this differently in future imaging sessions.
𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴
Scope: Skywatcher Esprit 100ED APO with Starizona .65 reducer
Mount: ZWO AM5
Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM
Acquisition: ZWO ASIAir Plus, EAF, and EFW
Processing: Siril, Lightroom, and PhotoShop
SII: 180s x 22
Ha: 180s x 14
OIII: 180s x 30
Total integration time: 3.3 hours
Lobster Claw Nebula (SH2-157) and Bubble Nebula at the bottom edge (NGC 7635) in the SHO "Hubble" color palette. Details, gear, and stats in ALT text. 🔭 🧪
#science #astronomy #astrophotography #nebula #lobsterclawnebula #BubbleNebula #nebulaphotography #PlanetaryNebula #lobster #cosmos #Sharpless