What is SHO combination in Astrophotography?

So after reading this article, hopefully, you will have a basic understanding of SHO configuration. Wrote it in point format to increase the productivity of the reader and the writer.

  • Introduction to SHO Configuration
    • Definition: SHO is a technique in astrophotography that utilizes Sulfur II (SII), Hydrogen-alpha (Hα), and Oxygen III (OIII) narrowband filters.
    • Purpose: To capture detailed and colorful images of celestial objects, highlighting features invisible in regular broadband photography.
  • Understanding the Filters
    • SII Filter: Captures light emitted by sulfur ions at 672 nm, typically mapped to the red color channel.
    • Hα Filter: Isolates the deep red light of hydrogen alpha emissions at 656 nm, assigned to the green color channel.
    • OIII Filter: Targets the light from doubly ionized oxygen at 500 nm, mapped to the blue color channel.
  • Benefits of SHO Configuration
    • Enhanced Detail: Allows for the visualization of intricate structures and compositions of nebulae and other astronomical objects.
    • Improved Contrast: By isolating specific emissions, it enhances the contrast between different elements in the celestial object.
    • Artistic and Scientific Value: Produces visually stunning images with significant scientific information about the object’s chemical makeup.
  • The Hubble Palette
    • Comparison to Hubble Space Telescope imagery, which popularized the SHO configuration by producing vibrant and detailed space photographs.
    • Explanation of the name: The color mapping technique is named after the Hubble Space Telescope’s iconic images.
  • Processing SHO Images
    • Image Acquisition: Describes capturing monochrome images through each of the three filters.
    • Color Mapping: Explains assigning each filtered image to an RGB color channel (SII to red, Hα to green, OIII to blue).
    • Post-Processing: Brief overview of combining these images to enhance detail and finalize the colorful representation.
  • Applications and Popularity
    • Usage among amateur and professional astrophotographers for its ability to reveal the unseen beauty of the cosmos.
    • Contribution to both the art and science of astronomy, providing insights into the physical conditions within nebulae and other astronomical phenomena.
  • Conclusion
    • Emphasis on the SHO configuration as a bridge between the artistic portrayal and scientific exploration of the universe.
    • Encouragement for readers to explore SHO astrophotography as a means to appreciate and understand the complexities of the cosmos.

Andromeda without any filters

Andromeda in detail

This image was originally taken by Sternfreunde Berlin & Brandenburg e.V. member Patrick Wagner at Johannismuehle Wildpark. And he didn’t use any filters for this. I got subframes from him and processed those to achieve this final image. So this is my interpretation of his capture.

📸 Captured with:
• ASI 2600MC Pro
• Skywatcher Esprit-100 ED
• ASIAir Plus
• Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro

🌃 Location & Session Details:
• Johannismuehle Wildpark, Brandenburg
• Bortle 4/5 skies
• Captured in Aug 2023
• Total Integration: 4h 45min(180’x96)

Seagull & Thor’s Helmet Nebulae

Seagull & Thor’s Helmet Nebulae

🔭 Discover the wonders of the night sky in this 5°x5° wide-angle capture, presenting the Seagull Nebula (Sh2-292) and Thor’s Helmet (NGC 2359). This view, stretching about ten times wider than the full moon, invites you into the vastness of space.

🌊 Seagull Nebula: A splendid expanse in the celestial seas, the Seagull Nebula, also known as Sh2-292, is a radiant emission nebula. Its intricate dance of gas and dust forms the shape of a seagull, creating a dynamic region of star formation illuminated by the energetic light of newborn stars.

🔨 Thor’s Helmet: In contrast, the Thor’s Helmet Nebula, a cosmic spectacle, stands out with its helmet-like appearance and intense activity. This nebula, shaped by the fierce winds of a massive star, is a showcase of the power and beauty of stellar evolution.

This image captures the elegance and drama of these two nebulae, highlighting the diverse wonders of our galaxy.

📸 Captured with:
• ASI 533MC Pro
• Samyang 135mm f/2.8
• IDAS NBZ 2” narrowband filter (H-alpha and OIII)
• ZWO ASI 120MM Guide scope
• Svbony SV165 Finder Scope
• ASIAIR Plus
• AZ-GTi

🌃 Location & Session Details:
• Wilpattu, Sri Lanka
• Bortle 3/4 skies
• Captured in January 2023
• Total Integration: 3h25min (300’x41)

A very crowded area: Cave nebula, Bubble nebula, Lobster nebula

A very crowded area: Cave nebula, Bubble nebula, Lobster nebula

This was taken in a Sternfreunde Berlin & Brandenburg e.V. society gathering for astrophotography. Society has special permission and a specific place and pieces of equipment in Johannismuehle Wildpark, Brandenburg. So I usually participate in these gatherings to chat with fellow members and image the sky.

📸 Captured with:
• ASI 533MC Pro
• Samyang 135mm f/2.8
• IDAS NBZ 2” narrowband filter (H-alpha and OIII)
• ZWO ASI 120MM Guide scope
• Svbony SV165 Finder Scope
• ASIAIR Plus
• AZ-GTi

🌃 Location & Session Details:
• Johannismuehle Wildpark, Brandenburg
• Bortle 4/5 skies
• Captured in Aug 2023
• Total Integration: 3h (300’x36)