Wizard Nebula NGC 7380 in SHO+LRGB Narrowband Palette
Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 at 11:29:00 AM · 2026/Astrophotography
This breathtaking astrophotograph captures NGC 7380, the Wizard Nebula, an emission nebula located approximately 7,200 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus. The image was processed using the Hubble-palette SHO mapping (Sulfur-II → red/orange, Hydrogen-alpha → green, Oxygen-III → blue), yielding the characteristic fiery orange emission clouds contrasting dramatically against the cool blue-teal OIII-rich core region. The central star cluster illuminates the surrounding gas, sculpting towering pillars and cavities reminiscent of a robed wizard figure. Data was collected using a ZWO ASI533MM Pro monochrome camera through a TMB-92 Signature Series 92mm f/4.6 APO refractor, combining narrowband filters (SII, Ha, OIII) with broadband LRGB channels across 2.4 hours of integration, then processed with Python and Syqon Starless AI for star removal and detail enhancement. The final image covers a 92.6×92.6 arcminute field of view at 1.85 arcseconds per pixel, beautifully resolving fine nebular structure and dust lanes.
Chronologically Adjacent
