M 39

This image actually started out almost as a test: I needed to check the performance of my new LRGB filters after replacing the previous set under warranty. The old filters were producing reflections/halos around the brightest stars, a fairly well-known issue. Many thanks to AstroPeak Observatory for the quick intervention and to Woodland Hills, especially Simon Tang, for arranging the replacement filters. I chose M39, in Cygnus, thinking I would simply photograph an open cluster. During processing, however, several unexpected details started to appear: dark clouds, faint diffuse H-alpha emission, two small but clearly visible galaxies, and even a tiny planetary nebula, PK 093-02.1, also known as Minkowski 1-79 (M 1-79). With a sky as spectacular as Utah's, you can point the telescope almost anywhere and still come away with some beautiful surprises.