Ghost of Cassiopeia - Ha+RGB

Emission nebula IC 63 near Gamma Cassiopeiae

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Deep Space Capture

Technical Specifications

Resolution: 1670x2376

Integration: 100 subexposures × 300s, 8.3 hours total

Captured: August 17, 2022

Equipment: William Optics Redcat 71 with ZWO ASI2600MM Pro camera on Advanced VX mount

Location: Backyard location during 66.68% moon phase

Processing Workflow

Total integration time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Ha+RGB hybrid processing technique

ZWO 7nm Ha and OIII filters

ZWO ASIAIR Plus automated control

EAA-based acquisition approach

Scientific Context

IC 63, known as the Ghost of Cassiopeia, is both an emission and reflection nebula located near the bright star Gamma Cassiopeiae. The nebula is illuminated and ionized by the intense radiation from this nearby hot star, creating a ghostly appearance against the darker background.

The nebula shows both blue reflection regions where starlight scatters off dust, and red emission regions where hydrogen gas glows under the star's intense ultraviolet radiation. This combination creates the ethereal, ghost-like appearance that gives the nebula its popular name.