vdB 31

I have been subscribing to data from the Deep Sky West (DSW) Observatory in New Mexico for some time. DSW offers several fully equipped telescopes, providing high-quality remote datasets for astrophotographers. One of the datasets I received featured the reflection nebula vdB 31 along with the surrounding dark nebulae located in the constellation Auriga.

The data calibration, registration, and final image processing were all performed in PixInsight.

The resulting image reveals the delicate bluish glow of the reflection nebula contrasted against the intricate dark lanes of interstellar dust, highlighting the subtle interplay of light and shadow in this richly structured region of Auriga.

The images were taken with the following equipment:

• Location: Rowe, New Mexico
• Telescope/Lens: Takahashi FSQ_106
• Focal length [mm]: 530
• Focal ratio: 5
• Mount: Paramount MyT
• Camera: QSI 683-WSG-8
• Filter: L:R:G:B
• Exposure time [min]: 310:370:330:250
• Resolution: 2.08″/px