M51 - now with calibration frames

[earth titan]

I think I'll move on now! Other targets to try.

I've extracted as much as I can from the data I have - and have now improved it with flats and bias frames.

Amazing how much more they let you pull out   !!!

[oldpink]

very nice colour and detail
what was the total time spent gathering the data for that ??

[earth titan]

In total, this has taken 4 evenings.

2 to gather the data (about 4 hours total). 1 to do the calibration frames and 1 to process.

[oldpink]

I admire the dedication
well worth the effort though

[lensman57]

Hi Tom,

That is a lovely capture but it is too blue. If you have a look at the histogram it shows that channels are not aligned. I have done a quick alignment in PS and also corrected the red in the galaxy a little. I am sure that you can do a much better job than me taking your time, hope you don't mind this.

Regards,

A.G

[red dwalf]

yes your RGB channels are out alittle which when aligned will darken your background, but i kind of like the red, still a nice capture, well done

[earth titan]

Thanks folks.

Agree with the comment regarding the reds. I've had a bit of a play and think it now looks better.

[earth titan]

As a compulsive fiddler (ooeeerrrr....) I couldn't leave well alone.

I wasn't happy with the image so went back to processing basics and got the following, which is much more to my liking.

The colours are more natural and detail sharper, although I have some odd fringes around some of the stars if you zoom in.

Any more hints, would be appreciated.

Thanks for looking.

[ChrisLX200]

Apologies in advance for taking the liberty of messing with your image, but I think there's more detail in there that can be brought out. This is just a quick stab at a screen grab, given access to the full data I'm sure a better job could be done...

ChrisH

[earth titan]

Apologies in advance for taking the liberty of messing with your image, but I think there's more detail in there that can be brought out. This is just a quick stab at a screen grab, given access to the full data I'm sure a better job could be done...

ChrisH

No need to apologise. Thanks for the input.

I have achieved similar levels of detail but started to think the image was too 'over processed' for my taste. Not sure which I prefer though.

[tgo747]

Nice job capturing M51. Looks amazing

[sologuitarist61]

The last image is certainly the best Tom, good contrast and plenty of detail!