6 replies to this topic

[RogeZ]

Hi folks:

 

Rather than open 3 different threads, I thought it would be better to post my 3 last images in just one. Quite minimally processed; comments welcome and enjoy in full res

 

 

I saw an image of NGC4236 here in CN and the astrophotographer mentioned that this galaxy was not as popular as others in the M81 group, like M81 and M82. I decided to try the galaxy on my own and realized this galaxy is quite difficult compared to other large galaxies in the sky. It's Ha signal in particular is quite dim and not too pronounced. I spent a good amount of time in the Luminance channel to try to give the image as much depth as possible. There are many small galaxies in the frame and what appears to be a small galaxy cluster just above. Overall the image came up quite smooth considering the exposure time. The image has a total just over 77 hours captured over 27 nights.

 

Processing:
Raw data calibrated in APP.
Blink in PI.
Stacked using outlier rejection in APP.
Minor edge crop.
Color calibration in PI using SPCC.

 

 

Finally I got to do a M16 image in SHO! M16 is quite a bright and beautiful target. During this project, the challenge was raising the SNR of the O-III and S-II signal to what the Ha signal. Image was taken over 28 nights due to low elevation of M16 and having to play with other targets. Enjoy in full resolution

 

Processing:
Raw data calibrated in APP.
Blink in PI.
Stacked using outlier rejection in APP.
SHO combination in APP using SHO-2
Minor edge crop.
Background neutralization.
Minor saturation boost.

 

 

I took an image of this region with my AT130 but I never published it. I thought the image was rushed and incomplete but I still loved it. The strong blues of the region along with the large bright stars contrasted so well with the dark nebulae that I fell in love with the region. In this image, I used the 12.5" CDK larger light gathering  and significant more exposure time to present the region in an almost unprocessed, natural manner. The contrast and the small, faint features are all preserved. I know in the future I will reshoot with larger aperture and more time

Image was taken over 20 nights.

 

Processing:
Raw data calibrated in APP.
Blink in PI.
Stacked using outlier rejection in APP.
Minor edge crop.
Color calibration in PI using SPCC.

 

Thanks and enjoy!

 

Which one is your favorite? I love the IC4603 region...

Roger Muro

[BKMaynard]

Nice set of images. You've got some great equipment too!

[ayadai]

And the bartender said, "Sorry but we can't serve pints that are full width at half maximum".

[lambermo]

That IC4603 dark nebula is superb. Def my favourite of the 3.

 

How do you get such small stars at 0.3"/pixel ?

[lucam]

Great work, Roger! Those are some beautiful targets.

 

--Luca

[bobharmony]

Sweet!  I'll go with NGC4236 - the clumps in the spiral arms fascinate me, and all those background galaxies are amazing.  Three wonderful images.

 

Bob

[RogeZ]

Thanks folks for all the comments.

 

Looking back at the images with a bit more time, I think I need to add more time to the IC4603 area. I think I got too excited and didn't realize I was lacking in RGB data, especially green so I suffer some calibration issues on the composite image.

 

@Lambermo: Nothing special really. Good collimation on the OTA and stacking the images in APP. Solid eccentricities from the mount as well. I blink and SFS all my subs.