Talked to an astrophotographer in Boulder who changed how I see star colors

I was at a meetup last weekend and this guy named Mike showed me his photo of Orion. He pointed out that Betelgeuse isn't just a red dot, it's actually a deep ruby color when you stretch the data right. I always thought star colors were just a filter thing, but he explained it's real hydrogen alpha and oxygen emissions. Has anyone else noticed how different stars look once you learn to process the colors properly?

2 comments

2 Comments

zarag172d ago

Used to think star colors were just in the editing, but Mike's photos completely shifted my view.

ward.diana2d ago

Huh, did Mike mention if that deep ruby color is only visible in long exposures or can the naked eye ever catch it?