NGC 6823 is an open cluster surrounded by a nebula complex Sh2-86 in the constellation of Vulpecula. The open star cluster is about 50 light years across and lies about 6000 light years away. The center of the cluster formed about two million years ago and is dominated by bright young blue stars (source: wikipedia and Astronomy). Also visible is the small reflection nebula NGC 6820 located on the upper left edge of the main portion of the nebula (10 o’clock).

I captured this object last year using a UHC filter (29x180s) and Canon T3i and processed it using my former method. This new image HaRGB was captured using the ZWO ASI1600MM-Pro and processed primarily using PixInsight.

I wrote up a detailed tutorial/comparison between two methods for producing HaRGB images in PixInsight on my website at: https://astroquest1.blogspot.com/2018/09/ngc-6823-and-sh2-86-hargb-processing-in.html (I did not include it here for fear of boring most you). In short, the two methods are as follows: Method 1 - using the LRGB combination and Method 2 - using PixelMath.

The four-in-one image shows some of progress along the way:

1) The top left image labelled HaRGB simple was produced using the straight LRGB process;

2) The top right image labelled Enhanced Ha was produced using a PixelMath formula where the Ha is merged with the Red Channel;

3) The bottom left image labelled Enhanced Red is where produced using another PixelMath formula where the Enhanced Ha image is enhanced further and is used in place of the original Red Channel;

4) The bottom right image labelled HaRGB is the result combining the RGB using the Enhanced Red image as the Red Channel.

So far I have been using PixInsight for one month and managed to process four images. The most helpful video tutorials for me have been:

1) Chuck’s Astrophotography - Stack and Combine Filters (Chuck’s videos are short 10-15 min. and he does not baffle you a lot BS. They are simple and to the point - press this button.)

2) Star-watcher.ch - Astrophotography Workflow - PixInsght - Lightroom (This video is only 12 min. and no talking just showing you how to process an image in 11 steps. I wrote down the steps with the time intervals on the corresponding video.)’

3) Harrys Astro Shed - Adding Ha to RGB (Harry’s videos are similar to Chuck’s, very short and to the point. In addition they are found on the PixInsight website.)