IC1318 - The Butterfly nebula
I am thrilled to share this image of the Butterfly Nebula (IC1318), captured over several nights from the city of Tunis. Using my Sky watcher Esprit ED80 triplet telescope, paired with the Zwo 533mc Pro camera, and utilizing the Optolong L-Ultimate and L-Pro filters, I dedicated a total of 44 hours.
Despite the challenges posed by a highly light-polluted urban sky, I was able to gather the photons emanating from this majestic nebula and reveal its true splendor. The intricate details, shapes, and colors of the nebula have been beautifully captured with the help of these exceptional equipment.
This project was a true test of patience and perseverance, but every second invested was well worth it. I hope this image inspires you and transports you into the boundless universe of celestial beauty.

Imaging Telescopes Or Lenses
Sky-Watcher Esprit 80ED
Imaging Cameras
ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Mounts
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
Filters
Optolong L-Pro 2" · Optolong L-Ultimate 2"
Accessories
ZWO EAF · ZWO Filter Drawer (M42) · ZWO OAG (Off-Axis Guider)
Software
Adobe Photoshop · Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight · Stefan Berg Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy (N.I.N.A. / NINA)
Guiding Cameras
ZWO ASI120MM Mini

Acquisition details
Dates:
June 11, 2023 · June 26, 2023
Frames:
Optolong L-Pro 2": 240×300″(20h)
Optolong L-Ultimate 2": 284×300″(23h 40′) (gain: 100.00) f/5 0°C bin 1×1
Integration:43h 40′
Darks:50
Flats:40
Flat darks:39
Avg. Moon age:15.20 days
Avg. Moon phase:47.08%
Bortle Dark-Sky Scale:9.00
Temperature:28.00
Basic astrometry details
Astrometry.net job: 7984126
RA center: 20h26m49s.4
DEC center: +40°05′49″
Pixel scale: 2.706 arcsec/pixel
Orientation: 278.357 degrees
Field radius: 1.089 degrees
Locations: Tunis, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
Data source: Backyard