Mythology:

Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is a constellation in the northern sky with associated mythology that likely dates back into prehistory. Let’s explore its fascinating background:

1. Origin and Significance:
   In antiquity, Ursa Major was one of the original 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD.

2. The Big Dipper: Ursa Major is primarily known for its main seven stars, which form the famous asterism called the Big Dipper or the Plough. The Big Dipper's stellar configuration mimics the shape of the Little Dipper in Ursa Minor. Two of its stars, Dubhe and Merak, can be used as navigational pointers toward the current northern pole star, Polaris in Ursa Minor.

3. Mythological Associations: In Greek mythology, Ursa Major is associated with Callisto, a nymph who was turned into a bear by Zeus’ jealous wife, Hera. Callisto’s transformation into a bear is a tragic tale, and her image is immortalized in the constellation.

4. Visibility and Circumpolarity: Ursa Major is visible throughout the year from most of the Northern Hemisphere and appears circumpolar above mid-northern latitudes. Even from southern temperate latitudes, parts of the constellation remain visible.

Next time you look up at the night sky, remember the ancient stories woven into the stars of Ursa Major! 🌟🐻

References: en.wikipedia.org, constellation-guide.com, thegalaxyhub.com, underthenightsky.com

PixInsight Processing Details

1. WBPP used for calibrating, cosmetic correction, drizzling (2x bigger) and stacking

2. GradientCorrect to remove gradients from each image.

3. BlurXterminator correct only on L and Ha channels

4. BlurXterminator on L and Ha channels

5. RGB Channel Combination with... RGB images

6. BlurXterminator correct only on RGB image

7. Used SpectrophotometricCC in RGB mode to color correct everything

8. (Used the CombineHaWithRGB Scipt to put Ha into the RGB with Ha image.)

9. Histogram Stretch to get to L and RGB images into the Linear State

Processing on the Luminance Channel

10. Removed Stars using StarXTerminator

11. NoiseXterminator @ 90

12. HDRMultiscaleTransform at level 9 to tone down the Core of the galaxy and enhance details

13. Very slight S-Curves Adjustment

14. LocalHistogramEqualization @ 75

15. LocalHistogramEqualization @ 125

16. MultiscaleLinearTransform with small values to Sharpen

17. Used 3 rounds of LRGBCombination to sharpen RGB image and improve saturation
    
    

Processing on the RGB Images

18. Curves on the blue channel to bring out the slightly more blue in the outer arms

19. NoiseXterminator @ 65

20. Added back stars using PixelMath

21. ICCProfileTransformation (Ready image for the Web)