Rho Aquarii

Constellation: Aquarius

Rho Aquarii is a variable star in the constellation Aquarius. In fact it contains a red giant primary and a white dwarf secondary in a binary system, with an orbital period of 44 yrs. The primary star varies in brightness by a factor of several hundred fold and with a period of slightly more than a year. The nebula around Rho Aquarii, also known as Cederblad 211 may be the remnant of a nova-like outburst. It is located about 848 Ly from Earth. Link to interactive sky chart.

Dates:

This is derived from the outstanding data taken by Martin Pugh during July and August 2024 (Martin’s website: Remote Astrophotography with Martin Pugh (martinpughastrophotography.space).

His telescope is located in Chile (Observatory: El Sauce).

Colour palette is HOO with RGB stars.

Telescope & Mount:

Planewave CDK24 on a Planewave L600 mount.

Imaging:

Camera: Moravian C3-61000 (bin 2×2)

Data:
Astrodon Ha: 60x300s
Astrodon OIII: 84x600s

Stars:
Astrodon R: 12x300s
Astrodon G: 12x300s
Astrodon B: 12x300s

Total integration time: 22h 0′