Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Cancer (Cnc)  ·  Contains:  IC 523
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Abell 31  SH2-290   Planetary Nebula, Albert  Christensen
Abell 31  SH2-290   Planetary Nebula
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Abell 31 SH2-290 Planetary Nebula

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Abell 31  SH2-290   Planetary Nebula, Albert  Christensen
Abell 31  SH2-290   Planetary Nebula
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Abell 31 SH2-290 Planetary Nebula

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Description

Abell 31  Sharpless 2-290 Planetary Nebula - Abell 31 is an ancient planetary nebula in the constellation of Cancer. It is estimated to be about 2,000 light years away. Although it is one of the largest planetary nebulae in the sky, it is not very bright (magnitude 15.54). The central star of the planetary nebula is a white dwarf. (Wikipedia)  

I am overwhelmed by the awesome amount of research and engineering that was needed to permit a relative dummy (like me) to set up the equipment, set the coordinates and without seeing any evidence that the target is anywhere near where the camera is pointing, spend several hours photographing something that is completely invisible.  And to do this  with a fairly good probability of success, is a wonder in itself.  The final result shows up much later, when the data is processed and the image magically appears.  And the fact that all this technology is available at a relatively affordable cost to the consuming public, is a definite plus.  The generous supply of satisfaction derived from succeeding at one of these projects is the key. The fun is that in spite of the fact that the personal treasures derived are virtually worthless monetarily, and thousands of better quality photos probably exist, this hobby is just plain fun!

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  • Abell 31  SH2-290   Planetary Nebula, Albert  Christensen
    Original
  • Abell 31  SH2-290   Planetary Nebula, Albert  Christensen
    B
  • Final
    Abell 31  SH2-290   Planetary Nebula, Albert  Christensen
    C

B

Description: Reduce noise

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C

Description: Reprocessed with a little more care.

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Abell 31  SH2-290   Planetary Nebula, Albert  Christensen