M20 Trifid Nebula is a target I return to quite frequently, in fact it was one of my targets when I first got back into Astrophotography in Culebra during COVID with my newly aquired RASA 8". Looking back only a little over 4 years the equipment has changed, the location has changed and my processing has changed... this is a great way to show how you can improve on your hobby over time.
This is my first image of M20 using the RASA 8... I think it was only like 2 hours of integration time, used a One Shot color camera and not very good focus, but it still shows the coloration of this nebula
When we moved back to Austin I used the Edge HD11 and captured this image of M20 using SHO filters, though good detail the colors seem off to me but for whatever reason I just couldn't get them to change the way I wanted them to. But still really happy with this image from a Bortle 5/6 sky
Now that same scope is out at Starfront Observatory, about 3 hours northwest of Austin in Bortle 1/2 skies and I spent some time capturing a natural color image. Total integration time was 11 hours on this and I love how the clouds around it bring the complexity of the nebula. Not to mention the colors.
I think I will probably return to this in a couple of years to see where the hobby has taken me but its nice to see the progression when you spend the time to learn and practice a hobby that brings joy and peace to your soul.
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