Vaonis Vespera - Photo Gallery (My Nicest Photos)

Archive

On the gallery pages, I present my so far "best" photos taken with my Vaonis Vespera (at the moment, most of the time all of them...). This page shows my nicest photos taken with the Vespera.

Note: As I sold my Vespera in June 2024, no more new photos will be added.

Gallery pages: Photo Gallery (My Nicest Photos) - Photo Gallery (Messier Catalog) - Photo Gallery (NGC and More...) - Photo Gallery (Multiple DSO)

Introduction

On this page, I would like to present my "best" or nicest photos (in my opinion) of sky objects that I took with my Vaonis Vespera. As hopefully new sky objects and maybe better photos of the objects will be added in the future, this page will be a "permanent construction site."

About the Post-Processing...

Only a few photos are shown here that are only unprocessed. Most photos are processed (or "post-processed"); of these, the majority are shown twice, namely unprocessed and processed, but sometimes only processed or processed twice (more on this below!).

Typically, I post-process astronomy photos according to a method I present on page Simple Image Processing (in Adobe PSE) (with variations every now and then...). Basically, the idea is to brighten up the objects to make them more visible (thereafter, the background needs to be made darker). I also sharpen some open star clusters and more or less all globular star clusters a little at the end of the processing.

On this page, I show for the first time photos, typically of nebulae, that I post-processed with Topaz DeNoise AI (hereafter DeNoise or DN), a noise reduction application. Even though Topaz recommends de-noising photos first and then process them further, I de-noised most of the images in an already processed version in order to save work (and keep the undocumented post-processing...).

I present the application of DeNoise on an extra page. Here just a few comments! DeNoise offers 4 alternative AI models for noise reduction: Standard, Clear, Low Light and Severe Noise. The Clear variant is said to be best suited for smooth surfaces, as they occur in galactic nebulae. That is why I initially used this model only. On closer inspection, however, it became clear to me that one should check each time, which model provides the best results (and with which settings...). Besides the effect of de-noising, however, processing with DeNoise can have further effects:

A slight reduction in the size of the stars (e.g. in the case of M 16 and M 17)
A sometimes astonishing sharpening of the object (e.g. with M 42/43) (possibly also the reason for the size reduction of stars...)
A "homogenisation" of colored/black areas (e.g. for B 33/NGC 2024)

The degree of these effects also depends on the model used, and in my opinion it is worth paying attention to these effects.

Note: Tge versions that were postprocessed with DeNoise are indicated by "(DN)".

Photos

M 1 (Taurus)


M 1, Jan 9, 2024 - original (179 frames = 1790 s)		M 1, Jan 9, 2024 - large (179 frames = 1790 s), photo left processed

M 3 (Canes Venatici)


M 3, Jul 31, 2022 - original 290s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (DN); 1:1 section

M 13 (Hercules)


M 13, Aug 25, 2022 - original, 900s		Ditto - large, photo left processed and sharpened (PSE)

M 16 (Eagle Nebula; Serpens)


M 16, Nov 1, 2022 - original, 1800s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (DN)

M 17 (Omega/Swan Nebula; Sagittarius)


M 17, Aug 16, 2022 - original, 920s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (DN)

M 27 (Dumbbell Nebula; Lyra)


M 27, Aug 20, 2022 - original, 890s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (DN)

M 31 (Andromeda Galaxy; Andromeda), M 32, and M 110 (Satellites of the Andromeda Galaxy; Andromeda)


M 31, Oct 27, 2022, mosaic with M 32 and M 110 - large, 2900s, cropped and processed (PSE)		Ditto - large, photo left processed (DN)

M 31/32/110, Jan 28, 2024 - large (341 frames = 3410s), mosaic, CLS Filter, processed (PSE)		M 31/32/110, Jan 28, 2024 - large (341 frames = 3410s), mosaic, CLS Filter, processed (DN)

M 33 (Triangulum Galaxy; Triangulum)


M 33, Oct, 30, 2022 - original, 2690s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (DN)

M 33 - Jan 29, 2024, original (253 frames = 2530s), small mosaic, processed (PSE)		M 33 - Jan 29, 2024, large (253 frames = 2530s), small mosaic, processed (DN)

M 35 (Gemini)


M 35 with NGC 2158, IC 2156, and IC 2157, Feb 8, 2023 - original, 1700s		Evaluation with nova.astrometry.net (photo left, unprocessed)

M 35 with NGC 2158, IC 2156 and IC 2157, Mar 28, 2024 - original, mosaic, 1750s		M 35 with NGC 2158, IC 2156 and IC 2157, 28.3.2024 - large, photo left processed

Evaluation with nova.astrometry.net (photo above, unprocessed)

M 35 (Gemini), M 36/37/38 (Auriga)

M 35 with NGC 2158, IC 2156, and IC 2157, Feb 8, 2023 - original, 1700s

M 36, Feb 13, 2023 - original, 680s

M 37, Feb 13, 2023 - original, 670s

M 38, Feb 13, 2023 - original, 600s

M 41 (Canis Major)


M 41, 29.1.2024 - Original, 10 min		M 41, 29.1.2024 - groß, 10 min, processed

M 42/43 (Orion Nebula; Orion)


M 42/43, Jan 18, 2023 - original, 640s)		M 42/43, Jan 18, 2023 - large, photo left processed

M 42/43 Jan 9, 2024 - original (60 frames = 600s)		M 42/43, Jan 9, 2024 - large (60 frames = 600s), processed

M 45 (Pleiades; Taurus)


M 45, Feb 6, 2023 - large, 2440s, mosaic, processed (PSE)		M 45, Feb 6, 2023 - large, 2440s, mosaic, processed (DN)

M 45, Jan 9, 2024 - large, 1880s, small mosaic, processed (PSE)		M 45, Jan 9, 2024 - large, 1880s, small mosaic, processed (DN)

M 46 with NGC 2438 (Puppis)


M 46/NGC 2438, Mar 25, 2024 - original, 890s		M 46/NGC 2438, Mar 25, 2024 - large, photo left processed

M 47 (Puppis)


M 47, Mar 25, 2024 - original, 590s		M 47, Mar 25, 2024 - large, photo left processed

M 48 (Hydra)


M 48, Mar 25, 2024 - original, 590s		M 48, Mar 25, 2024 - large, photo left processed

M 50 (Monoceros)


M 50 - Mar 26, 2024, original, 930s		M 50 - Mar 26, 2024, large, photo left processed

M 65/66 and NGC 3628 (Leo Triplet; Leo)


M 65 and M 66 with NGC 3628 (Leo Triplet, Jun 6, 2023 - original, 2880s, mosaic		M 65 and M 66 with NGC 3628 (Leo Triplet), Jun 6, 2023 - large, 2880s, mosaic, photo left processed

M 65 and M 66 with NGC 3628 (Leo Triplet), Jun 7, 2023 - original, 2390s		M 65 and M 66 with NGC 3628 (Leo Triplet), Jun 6, 2023 - large, 2880s, HD section from mosaic on top

M 67 (Cancer)


M 67, Mar 3, 2024 - original, 890s		M 67, Mar 3, 2024 - large, 890s

M 74 (Pisces)


M 74 - Jan 9, 2024, large (1830s)		M 74 - Jan 9, 2024, large (1830s), photo left processed

M 78 (Orion)


M 78, Feb 7, 2023 - original, 2120s		Ditto - large, 2120s, photo left processed (DN)

M 81/M 82 (Bode and Cigar Galaxy; Ursa Major) and NGC 3077 (Ursa Major)


M 81, M 82, NGC 3077, Aug 12/28, 2022 - collage		Ditto - photo left processed (DN)

M 101 (Pinwheel Galaxy; Ursa Major)


M 101, Aug 7, 2022 - original, 1910s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (DN)

B 33 (Horse Head Nebula; Orion) with NGC 2024 (Flame Nebula; Orion)


B 33 and NGC 2024, Jan 29, 2023 - large, 5700s, mosaic, processed (PSE), rotated		Ditto - large, photo left processed (DN)

NGC 2024 and B 33, Jan 29, 2023 - large (1910 s), mosaic, Dual Band Filter, processed (PSE)		NGC 2024 and B 33, Jan 29, 2023 - large (1910 s), mosaic, Dual Band Filter, additionally post-processed (DN)

IC 405 (Flaming Star Nebula; Auriga), below with IC 410 (Auriga)


IC 405, Feb 8, 2023 - original, 1820s		IC 405, Feb 8, 2023 - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

IC 405 & IC 410, April 9, 2023 - original, 3h, mosaic, Dual Band Filter		IC 405 & IC 410, April 9, 2023 - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

IC 405 & IC 410, April 14, 2023 - original, 1.5/2.5h, mosaic, CLS Filter		IC 405 & IC 410, April 14, 2023 - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

IC 443 (Jellyfish Nebula; Gemini)


IC 443, Mar 11, 2024 - original, 3010s, Dual Band Filter		IC 443, Mar 11, 2024 - large, photo left processed

IC 443, Mar 11, 2024 - original, 3480s, mosaic, Dual Band Filter		IC 443, Mar 11, 2024 - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

IC 1805 (Heart Nebula; Cassiopeia)


IC 1805, Nov 1, original, 3750s, mosaic		Ditto - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

IC 1805, Feb 20, 2023 - original, 3270s, mosaic, Dual Band Filter		Ditto - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

At the top right, there are NGC 896 and IC 1795!

IC 1848 (Soul Nebula; Cassiopeia)


IC 1848, Jan 9, 2024 - original (3260s), mosaic		IC 1848, Jan 9, 2024 - large (3260s), mosaic, processed

IC 1848, Jan 10, 2024 - large (2550s), small mosaic, Dual Band Filter, processed (PSE)		IC 1848, Jan 10, 2024 - large (2550s), small mosaic, Dual Band Filter, processed (DN)

IC 2177 (Seagull Nebula, Monoceros)


IC 2177, Feb 8, 2023 - original, 1430s		Ditto, large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

IC 2177 Feb 12, 2023 - original, 900s, small mosaic		Ditto - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

IC 5070 (Pelican Nebula; Cygnus)


IC 5070, Sep 30, 2022 - original, 590s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 281 (Pacman Nebula; Cassiopeia)


NGC 281, Nov 1, 2022 - original (128 frames = 1280s)		NGC 281, Nov 1, 2022 - large (128 frames = 1280s), photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 281, Jan 10, 2024 - large (204 frames = 2040s), small mosaic, Dual Band Filter, processed (PSE)		NGC 281, Jan 10, 2024 - large (204 frames = 2040s), small mosaic, Dual Band Filter, processed (DN)

NGC 884/869 (Perseus Double Cluster; Perseus)

NGC 884/869, Aug 12, 2022 - original, 430s

NGC 891 (Andromeda)

NGC 884/869, Aug 12, 2022 - original, 430s

NGC 1499 (California Nebula; Perseus)


NGC 1499, Feb 7, 2023 - original, mosaic, 4160s		NGC 1499, Feb 7, 2023 - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 1499, Jan 10, 2024 - large, mosaic, 3210s, Dual Band Filter, processed (PSE)		NGC 1499, Jan 10, 2024 - large, mosaic, 3210s, Dual Band Filter, processed (DN)

NGC 1977 and NGC 1980 (Orion) near M 42/43


M 42/43 with NGC 1977 and NGC 1980, Jan 18, 2023 - large, 2410s, mosaic, processed, square section (PSE)		Ditto - large, lights made 100% darker (PSE, DN)

NGC 2024 (Flame Nebula; Orion)


NGC 2024, Jan 29, 2023 - original, 880 s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 2174 (Monkey Head Nebula; Orion)


NGC 2174, Feb 12, 2023 - original, 600s		NGC 2174, Feb 12, 2023 - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 2174, Apr 5, 2023 - original, CLS Filter, 35min		NGC 2174, Apr 5, 2023 - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 2237-39/46 (Rosette Nebula; Monoceros) und NGC 2244 (Cluster in Rosette Nebula; Monoceros)


NGC 2244 and Rosette Nebula, Feb 8, 2023 - original, 1970s, mosaic		Ditto - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 2244 and Rosette Nebula, Apr 3, 2023 - large, 1850s, mosaic, CLS Filter, processed (PSE, DN)		NGC 2244 and Rosette Nebula, Apr 3, 2023 - large, 2520s, mosaic, Dual Band Filter, processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 2264 (Christmas Tree Cluster and Cone Nebula; Monoceros), NGC 2261 (Monoceros)


NGC 2264 (left) with NGC 2261 (top right), Mar 28, 2024 - original, 2250s, small mosaic, Dual Band Filter		NGC 2264 (left) with NGC 2261 (top right), Mar 28, 2024 - large, 2250s, small mosaic, Dual Band Filter, photo left processed (PSE)

Ditto, photo additionally processed (DN) - large		Ditto, photo additionally processed (DN+PSE) - large

NGC 2359 (Thor's Helmet; Canis Major)


NGC 2359, Feb 13, 2023 - original, 1830s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 2359, Feb 20, 2023 - original, 1830s, Dual Band Filter		Ditto - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 2403 (Camelopardis)


NGC 2403, Jan 28, 2024 - original, 1790		NGC 2403, Jan 28, 2024 - large, 1790, processed

NGC 2403, Jan 28, 2024 - original, mosaic, 1140s (1.5 runs)		NGC 2403, Jan 28, 2024 - large, mosaic, 1140s (1.5 runs), processed

NGC 6888 (Crescent Nebula; Vulpecula)


NGC 6888, Oct 17, 2022 - original, 1880s		Ditto - large, photo left processed (PSE, DN)

NGC 6939 and 6946 (Superman Galaxy; Cepheus)


NGC 6939 and NGC 6946, Aug 25, 2022 - original, 900s		NGC 6946, Sep 30, 2022 - original, 610s

NGC 6960 (Western Veil Nebula; Cygnus) and NGC 6992 (Eastern Veil Nebula; Cygnus)


NGC 6960, Aug 16, 2022 - original, 900s		NGC 6960, Aug 25, 2022 - original, 910s

NGC 6960, Oct 5, 2022 - original, 600s		NGC 6992, Aug 16, 2022 - original, 600s

NGC 6992, Aug 25, 2022 - original, 900s		NGC 6992, Oct 5, 2022 - original, 620s

NGC 7000 (North America Nebula; Cygnus) as a Mosaic with IC 5070


NGC 7000 and IC 5070, Oct 27, 2022 - large, 2620s, mosaic, processed (PSE)		Ditto - large, 2620s, mosaic, processed (DN)

NGC 7000 and IC 5070, Nov 10, 2022 - large, 7210s, mosaic, processed (PSE)		Ditto - large, 7210s, mosaic, processed (DN)

NGC 7000 and IC 5070, Jan 11, 2024 - large (363 frames = 3630s), mosaic, Dual Band Filter, processed (PSE)		Ditto - large (363 frames = 3630s), mosaic, Dual Band Filter, processed (DN)