Here is another image of the Helix nebula - the sixth time I've revisited this target, but the first time using the 130PHQ and ASI6200MC.
Detail in this image is the best I've achieved so far. This is thanks to the longer focal length of the telescope and the smaller pixel size of the 6200, a combination with an ideal sampling ratio that avoids under-sampling.
The evening began with reasonably clear conditions, but patchy cloud rolled in as the night went on, leading to poorer conditions and progressively degraded subs. I also had some issues with tracking, so the stars in this image are slightly elliptical.
This is also the first time I used PixInsight to process images of the Helix. I used Photometric Colour Calibration to balance the colour, then SCNR to reduce the green colour bias, and finally StarX to create separate images of the nebula and stars, which I processed separately to optimise dynamic range and clarity before recombining them in Affinity Photo.
Overall, I was very happy with this image - particularly the accurate colour rendition and detail in the nebulosity surrounding the nebula, something missing in my earlier images.
Special thanks to
Rowan for his helpful advice on colour balance.
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