VDB123 region of Serpens (John Dziuba)

VDB123 region of Serpens

This is a rich area of dark and reflection nebulae in the Southern constellation Serpens surrounding the reflection nebula vdB123. The colorful and popular planetary nebula Sh2-68, also known as the Flaming Skull nebula, is visible at the top of the image. This ancient planetary nebula is estimated to be roughly 45,000 years old.

I have been slowly collecting data on vdB123 with my RiDK 400 at Obstech in Chile. I finally found a few clearish nights with no moonlight this weekend, so I fired up the FSQ106 that is piggybacked on the larger scope to capture a wide field view of the area. The FSQ is reduced to 380mm focal length and f3.6 allowing me to capture a lot of photons rather quickly which is rather convenient with the cloudy weather lately.

This is my first broadband image from this rig and the first time that I have imaged the same target at the same time with the two scopes. I am still working out the gremlins and aim to have my first image from the RiDK soon. I am hoping for a few more clear nights this dark cycle.

CS

Takahashi Refractors
Dark Nebula
Southern Hemisphere Astro
Fine Art Astrophotography
ASI 6200 MM Pro
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