By Elizabeth Korn | 2025-12-25
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This image captures the Seagull Nebula (IC 2177), a large emission nebula spanning the border of the constellations Monoceros and Canis Major. The nebula shines predominantly in hydrogen-alpha and oxygen emissions, creating the impression of a cosmic bird in flight. The image represents approximately 24 hours of total exposure, collected over multiple nights and processed to reveal faint nebular structures and contrast against the surrounding star field.
Photographer:
Aquib Ali Ansari
Instagram: @capturedbyaquib
Date captured: 18 to 22 December 2025
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Equipment used:
Camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro (9-MP, cooled one-shot color CMOS camera)
Lens: Samyang 135mm f/2 manual-focus lens
Mount: Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi equatorial mount
Filter: Optolong L-Ultimate 2″ dual-narrowband filter isolating hydrogen-alpha and oxygen-III emissions
Guiding: ZWO ASI120 Mini with 30mm f/4 guide scope
Capture controller: ASIAIR
Post-processing:
The image was calibrated and stacked using Siril. Background gradients caused by light pollution were removed using GraXpert. Final adjustments to color balance, contrast, and fine detail were completed in Adobe Photoshop to highlight faint hydrogen-alpha and oxygen-III structures while maintaining a natural appearance.
