Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635)

I wanted to do something a little different with this image. Using PixInsight, StarTools, and Photoshop, I was able to create an image that looks more like an oil painting rather than a photograph. I’ve always wanted to try something like this and it was fun, time consuming, but fun. I hope you enjoy this image as much as I enjoyed creating it.

The integration time is 22 hours in Ha, OII, and SII. A modified SHO palette was used. Some of the stars were shrunk and even removed to highlight the “bubble” in the nebula. A great interpretation of the Bubble Nebula can be seen here . The Hubble image looks almost unreal. The bubble is being formed by opposing forces. Expanding gases from the inside of the bubble are being opposed by incredibly high stellar winds from the surrounding gases outside the bubble. 

I'll try to post an Ha image of this really cool object. The image will be in monochrome which gives the bubble a different perspective. Stay tuned...

Tsukahara, my "Home Sweet Home" (Repost)

Almost five years ago I posted this on the blog. My feeling towards this magical place has not changed. I'm a bit more connected with the natural surroundings and its people with the passing of each year. It ceases to amaze me at how quickly the time has gone by. Please enjoy the video and thank you for your interest in the blog.    George

Time for baking

Here’s some treats that I’ve been baking for the past few days. Most of these baked goods were given to our friends and neighbors. I wish I could eat all of this stuff, but I’m getting older and…well, you know what I mean. Let’s see, the first picture is an apple tea cake made with Earl Grey tea. Next, are some bagels made with bread flour, all purpose flour, and corn meal.  

This is my first attempt at french baking. It's called," Gateau Invisible". Translated...made with apples. 

Alright, this is something I have been craving for a long time (6 years). Dark chocolate cake with chocolate pudding, cherry filling, and dark chocolate frosting. DELICIOUS!!!! 

I have been wanting to do some imaging, but there has been a software bug going around. I think Microsoft is to blame. Anyway, the bug makes the COM ports unusable. There are a lot of temporary fixes out there, but I'll sit on the sidelines until a permanent fix is available. Stay tuned...