Messier 8 - Smart Cam

I have photographed Messier 8, the Lagoon Nebula, many times before. In Namibia, it stands high in the zenith in July, which means the conditions are significantly better than at northern latitudes. On this occasion, Messier 8 served as a target to test the Smart Cam from ZWO ASI. This is a ZWO 2600M with an integrated guide sensor and built-in ZWO ASI Air. The test of this camera was very successful, and I am quite impressed with the Smart Camera concept.
A Hα filter was installed in the filter wheel, and since I took the images during the waxing Moon, I was able to collect several hours of Hα data. While the pure Hα images were quite appealing on their own, I did not like integrating them into the LRGB data. Furthermore, I was unable to present the full dynamic range of the Hα image in a satisfying way. Therefore, I opted for the pure LRGB version and, under the download buttons, provide both a starless Hα image and a crop of the Lagoon Nebula’s core in Hα.