The open cluster (NGC 6193) just off center top in this image is fueling the reflection nebulosity within NGC 6188 next to it. The open cluster consists of 27 stars and they sculpt the dark shapes and create stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation that powers the nebula’s glow.
This narrowband image was taken using three different filters also known as the Hubble palette. The red channel is ionized Sulfur (SII), the green channel is ionized Hydrogen (H-alpha) and the blue channel is ionized Oxygen (OIII).
I re-processed this data in PixInsight using new skills and techniques I have acquired since I first processed in 2016. Most notably is the improved colours and increased depth to the image. I more successfully blended the Ha, OIII and SII channels along with improved star halo reduction and noise reduction.
My original process of the fighting dragons can be viewed here. The 2016 version was featured in Sky and Telescope magazine, October edition.
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