Part of the problem is that nebula are responding exactly inverse of how they should with the new light adaptation code. Normally, when you're looking at a bright object (like, say, staring at the full moon) your pupils contract and let in less light, and everything else appears darker (we'll just ignore the atmospheric effects for now). When looking into a dark moonless sky though, your pupils dilate to allow more light in so you can see fainter objects. Very simple and intuitive for anyone that's ever looked at the stars for more than a few minutes.
In Odyssey, looking at a bright object somehow makes the background nebula brighter. Compare these screenshots, and notice how Barnard's Loop is faintly visible while the star is in frame, but once I'm several hundred LS away from the star, Barnard's Loop is almost completely invisible.
Edit: Wow compression really did a number on this screenshot, but I think you get the point. Try it out in-game for yourself.
