15 Jul 2026
Traditional images of the Cygnus X region have been about the bright emission objects in the frame shown against a dark background as if they are islands in space. In this case I present NGC6914, DWB105, 133, 144, and several other DWBs. This post is an attempt to convey the reality that these objects are merely the brightest parts of one larger nebula, Cygnus X, which covers the entire frame. Cygnus X provides the backdrop, and the dark nebulae and reflection nebulae (i.e. vdB131, 132) come to the fore.
The recently released MultiscaleGradientCorrection, and MultiscaleAdaptiveStretch PixInsight processes make it possible to show regions like this literally in a new light. I'm not sure that this approach will catch on, but I cannot resist the opportunity to explore it.
Processed using APP, PixInsight with SPFC/MGC, SPCC, BXT, NXT, SXT, MAS, ImageBlend, GHS, and Affinity Photo 2.
vdB 132
10 credit