IKO NGC6888 - Processing Competition

[Grant 2,682]

We've just released the second set of data from the Ikarus Observatory project here.

Following the wonderful entries from the first processing competition we are running another to see who can get the most from this data and create the 'best' image! The winner will receive £150 of First Light Optics gift vouchers and two runners up will receive £50 of gift vouchers.

Details below:

• Closing date: 4th October 2020 @ 22:00
• Please post your entries into this thread
• Please only use the data we've released - don't blend it with other data or add to it with other sources
• Use what ever processing software and techniques you like, potential bonus points for sharing your workflow and techniques with others - that way, we all get to learn as well
• Multiple entries are allowed but, please refrain form posting multiple attempts that are very similar - better to update an earlier attempt if it's just an incremental improvement but, it would be interesting to see totally different attempts using different narrowband blends etc...
• If you win or are a runner up, we would really like to use your creation in future marketing materials, on our website etc.. so by entering the competition, you are giving us permission to use your image in this way.
• Judging will be done by a small team of judges from the FLO team - It's completely subjective  but will be based on what image(s) we think do the best job of extracting the most from the data released and, look the 'prettiest' 
• We will announce the winners by the 9th October 2020 via SGL

Thanks all and look forward to seeing your entries!

P.S - We won't run a competition each release just every so often - we have more data to release very soon!

[happy-kat 5,798]

Pushes the comfort factor being challenged to process other people's data which this is but it is lovely and not noisy and I enjoyed doing it.

So easy to reach for ecosia but I resisted any looking up of what this object was and how it may be expected to look as that can make me feel like I am channelled into that direction and I wanted to feel for the image and see where it took me.

Using StarTools 1.7.422a I loaded each file into the compose module and made a luminance file from that. I then started again and using compose brought in ha as red, oii as blue and si as green and the luminance file I made and weighted the latter as 3 times the other channels. Cropped the outer edge by 60 pixels and then binned the image. Wipe followed and then Autodev. Next on to HDR to reveal just the DSO Core and then over to Deconvolution to bring out the structure and tame the star field and a mask was used here. A light Contrast boost at 17% then on to Colour module using Style] set to Colour Constancy | 50/50 Layering, CIELab Luminance Retention] | SHO 20SII+80Ha,20Ha+80OIII,100OIII and I didn't cap green as I felt there was no need or benefit. Mask again was used but a new one and then to the Shrink module as the stars were still too dominant and preset of tighten. New mask created on the areas i found interesting and used the preset of Isolatate in the Life module though adjusted the strength down to 20%. A new mask and on to Entropy though applied at just 65%. Loaded the saved star mask and over to the Shrink module and tighten as a few stars were waving hello again. Tracking off and Denoise then the interesting bits mask loaded and a slight Sharpen applied saved. Used Irfanview to convert the tiff to png for sharing here. I appreciate that a few core stars are a little too excited but that reprocess will have to be attempted at a later time.

 

 

[Anne S 293]

Here is my version of the Crescent nebula. The soap bubble can be seen in the top right corner. I decided to process the Ha and O3 as a bicolour image as I felt it showed the O3 sections around the Crescent strongly and I like the colours produced. Colour channels stacked as HAO3O3. I tried a superluminance but ended up abandoning that version. Slight noise reduction and reduced star sizes. I then used unsharp to bring more details out from the Crescent and make the soap bubble more prominent, thought it remains faint. Checked background neutralisation and tweaked curves to increase contrast.

All processing in Pixinsight.

Thank you for providing such lovely data.

 

[Spikey 1,765]

It makes such a change to be able to work with decent data !

I've also gone for a HOO as I didn't think the minimal SII added anything, although I do intend to do a version with SII as well.

Basically this is an RGB made from the Ha, O3, O3 as the channels. A bit of tweaking in levels and curves. It's also had Ha added as luminance and O3 added as luminance and blended in. An unsharp mask + dodge/burn layer blended and finally another saturation uplift and blended as a colour layer.  Only done a couple of HOO images in the past, quite a few years ago so this is nice to be able to have a go without having to collect the data myself. 

 

[bottletopburly 1,437]

Processed in Startools 1.7.419  

 

Workflow below

-----------------------------------------------------------
StarTools 1.7.419alpha
Fri Sep 25 15:56:55 2020
-----------------------------------------------------------
Loading red channel data
File loaded in LRGB module [C:\Users\DAVID\Downloads\Sii.fit].
Loading green channel data
File loaded in LRGB module [C:\Users\DAVID\Downloads\Ha.fit].
Loading blue channel data
Loading blue channel data
File loaded in LRGB module [C:\Users\DAVID\Downloads\Oiii.fit].
--- Compose
Parameter [Luminance, Color] set to [L + Synthetic L From RGB, RGB]
Parameter set to [On]
Parameter [Lum Total Exposure] set to [Not set]
Parameter [Blue Total Exposure] set to [1h00m (60m) (3600s)]
Parameter [Green Total Exposure] set to [1h00m (60m) (3600s)]
Parameter [Red Total Exposure] set to [1h00m (60m) (3600s)]
Image size is 2750 x 2200
Type of Data: Linear, was not Bayered, or was Bayered + white balanced
--- Auto Develop
Parameter [Ignore Fine Detail <] set to [Off]
Parameter [Outside RoI Influence] set to [15 %]
Parameter [RoI X1] set to [0 pixels]
Parameter [RoI Y1] set to [0 pixels]
Parameter [RoI X2] set to [2750 pixels (-0)]
Parameter [RoI Y2] set to [2200 pixels (-0)]
Parameter [Detector Gamma] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Shadow Linearity] set to [100 %]
--- Bin
Parameter [Scale] set to [(scale/noise reduction 50.00%)/(400.00%)/(+2.00 bits)]
Image size is 1375 x 1100
--- Crop
Parameter [X1] set to [11 pixels]
Parameter [Y1] set to [16 pixels]
Parameter [X2] set to [1361 pixels (-14)]
Parameter [Y2] set to [1091 pixels (-9)]
Image size is 1350 x 1075
--- Wipe
Parameter [Mode] set to [Correct Brightness Only]
Parameter [Precision] set to [128 x 128 pixels]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Filter] set to [6 pixels]
Parameter [Drop Off Point] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Corner Aggressiveness] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Aggressiveness] set to [0 %]
--- Auto Develop
Parameter [Ignore Fine Detail <] set to [1.1 pixels]
Parameter [Outside RoI Influence] set to [15 %]
Parameter [RoI X1] set to [346 pixels]
Parameter [RoI Y1] set to [224 pixels]
Parameter [RoI X2] set to [839 pixels (-511)]
Parameter [RoI Y2] set to [756 pixels (-319)]
Parameter [Detector Gamma] set to [1.05]
Parameter [Shadow Linearity] set to [100 %]
--- Contrast
Parameter [Expose Dark Areas] set to [No]
Parameter [Compensate Gamma] set to [No]
Parameter [Precision] set to [512 x 512 pixels]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Filter] set to [6 pixels]
Parameter [Aggressiveness] set to [50 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Headroom] set to [50 %]
--- HDR
Parameter [Small Detail Precision] set to [Max]
Parameter [Channels] set to [Brightness Only]
Parameter [Algorithm] set to [Reveal DSO Core]
Parameter [Dark/Bright Response] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Detail Size Range] set to [1000 pixels]
Parameter [Strength] set to [1.5]
--- Wavelet Sharpen
Parameter [Structure Size] set to [Large]
Mask used (BASE64 PNG encoded)

--- SNR-aware Wavelet Sharpening
Parameter [Scale 1] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 2] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 3] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 4] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 5] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [4 pixels]
Parameter [Amount] set to [382 %]
Parameter [High SNR Size Bias] set to [85 %]
Parameter [Low SNR Size Bias] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Dark/Light Enhance] set to [50% / 50%]
--- Deconvolution
Parameter [Image Type] set to [Deep Space]
Parameter [Secondary PSF] set to [Off (Primary Only)]
Parameter [Primary PSF] set to [Moffat Beta=4.765 (Trujillo)]
Parameter [Primary Radius] set to [1.5 pixels]
Parameter [Iterations] set to [11]
Parameter [Error Diffusion] set to [Off]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [8.0 pixels]
Parameter [Deringing] set to [50 %]
Mask used (BASE64 PNG encoded)

--- Life
Parameter [Detail Preservation] set to [Linear Brightness Mask]
Parameter [Compositing Algorithm] set to [Multiply, Gamma Correct]
Parameter [Inherit Brightness, Color] set to [Off]
Parameter [Output Glow Only] set to [No]
Parameter [Airy Disk Sampling] set to [128 x 128 pixels]
Parameter [Airy Disk Radius] set to [8 pixels]
Parameter [Glow Threshold] set to [4 %]
Parameter [Detail Preservation Radius] set to [20.0 pixels]
Parameter [Saturation] set to [50 %]
Parameter [Strength] set to [50 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Mask used (BASE64 PNG encoded)

=
--- Color
Parameter [Bias Slider Mode] set to [Sliders Reduce Color Bias]
Parameter [Style] set to [Scientific (Color Constancy)]
Parameter [LRGB Method Emulation] set to [RGB Ratio, CIELab Luminance Retention]
Parameter [Matrix] set to [SHO 40SII+60Ha,70Ha+30OIII,100OIII]
Parameter [Dark Saturation] set to [3.60]
Parameter [Bright Saturation] set to [2.00]
Parameter [Saturation Amount] set to [239 %]
Parameter [Blue Bias Reduce] set to [1.21]
Parameter [Green Bias Reduce] set to [4.33]
Parameter [Red Bias Reduce] set to [1.42]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Cap Green] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Highlight Repair] set to [8 pixels]
--- Entropy-driven Detail Enhancement
Parameter [Resolution] set to [Medium]
Parameter [Channel Selection] set to [Green (SHO Ha)]
Parameter [Strength] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Midtone Pull Filter] set to [20.0 pixels]
Parameter [Midtone Pull Strength] set to [50 %]
Parameter [Dark/Light Enhance] set to [0% / 100%]
--- Filter
Parameter [Filter Mode] set to [Saturate H-beta]
Parameter [Sampling Method] set to [3x3 Average]
Parameter [Filter Width] set to [5]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
--- Psycho-Visual Grain Equalization De-Noise
Parameter [Grain Size] set to [1.5 pixels]
--- Psycho-Visual Grain Equalization De-Noise
Parameter [Mode] set to [Psychovisual]
Parameter [Grain Removal] set to [58 %]
Parameter [PV Detail Size] set to [2.0 pixels]
Parameter [Grain Limit Detail] set to [1.5 pixels]
Parameter [PV Support Gamma] set to [2.20]
Parameter [Grain Limit Color] set to [1.5 pixels]
Parameter [PV Support Area] set to [3 pixels]
--- 
Parameter [UNKNOWN] set to [Small]
Mask used (BASE64 PNG encoded)

--- Fractal Flux
Parameter [Brightness Mask Mode] set to [Off]
Parameter [Algorithm] set to [Modulate Unsharp Mask]
Parameter [Negative Flux] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Positive Flux] set to [500 %]
Parameter [Detail Filter] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Filter Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Filter Radius] set to [1.5 pixels]
Parameter [Filter Amount] set to [200 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Brightness Mask Power] set to [1.00]
Mask used (BASE64 PNG encoded)

--- 
Parameter [Focuser] set to [None]
Parameter [Aperture] set to [200mm / 7.87"]
Parameter [Focal Length] set to [1200mm / 47.24"]
Parameter [Sample Size] set to [2048 x 2048 pixels]
Parameter [Vanes] set to [4]
Parameter [Vane Width] set to [1.6mm / 0.06"]
Parameter [Vane Support Width] set to [1.6mm / 0.06"]
Parameter [Central Obstruction] set to [25 %]
Parameter [Dispersion] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Screws] set to [12]
Parameter [Clips] set to [3]
Parameter [Clip Size] set to [10mm / 0.39"]
Parameter [Focuser Travel] set to [20mm / 0.79"]
Parameter [Focuser Angle] set to [120]
--- 
Parameter [Focuser] set to [None]
Parameter [Aperture] set to [200mm / 7.87"]
Parameter [Focal Length] set to [1200mm / 47.24"]
Parameter [Sample Size] set to [2048 x 2048 pixels]
Parameter [Vanes] set to [0]
Parameter [Vane Width] set to [0.0mm / 0.00"]
Parameter [Vane Support Width] set to [0.0mm / 0.00"]
Parameter [Central Obstruction] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Dispersion] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Screws] set to [0]
Parameter [Clips] set to [0]
Parameter [Clip Size] set to [0mm / 0.00"]
Parameter [Focuser Travel] set to [0mm / 0.00"]
Parameter [Focuser Angle] set to [0]
File saved [C:\Users\DAVID\Downloads\SGL -Data2.jpg].

Edited September 25, 2020 by bottletopburly

[Taman 396]

I decided to create a synthetic RGB image, mapped as HSO with a Ha luminance layer.

I used SiriL to stretch the image and calibrate the natural star colours, followed by Starnet++ to remove the stars and create a star mask.

Finally the image was brought into Photoshop, for noise removal and sharpening. This did not require much, as the data is virtually noise free! After colour balancing and adding the luminosity layer, the stars were added back for the final image.

A big thank you to FLO and IKI for letting us play with your data!

 

[carastro 8,642]

Processed in Photoshop:

Processed as a HOO combination as could not get a pleasing result in SHO

Levels and Curves

Equalisation function

Selective colour

Balance colours

HLVG (weak)

Slight star size reduction.

Edited September 25, 2020 by carastro

[Taman 396]

For my second attempt, I decided to try a modified Hubble Palette version with natural colour stars. 

As before, SiriL was used to stretch the data and Starnet++ to remove stars and create a star mask.

The starless images were combined in Photoshop and mapped as SHO. The overly green image was adjusted in levels and selective colours to the classic look of the Hubble Palette.

Finally I did a slight reduction on the stars, before adding them back to the final image.

Edited September 26, 2020 by Taman

[Wyvernp 555]

Afternoon, 

Thought I may as well throw my hat in the ring as well.

I used a bit of a custom channel mapping with this one, but it's roughly R=Ha, G=SII, B=OIII

Unfortunately I don't really have a process to share as I tend to just do stuff until I like the look of it.

Final polish was in photoshop which was just some levels, saturation etc.

Wyvern

[A320Flyer 64]

Here's my attempt using PixInsight.

Custom HSO combination.

Luminance stretched with HT.

HDRMT and LHE to bring out the details in the background and foreground respectively.

Combine Lum with SHO.

Cheers

Bill

[Bobby1970 1,284]

Thought i would have a play with this, just for something to do really.

I used Startools, Paint.Net and windows photo editor

File loaded in LRGB module [C:\Users\rober\Downloads\Oiii.fit].
Loading red channel data
File loaded in LRGB module [C:\Users\rober\Downloads\Sii.fit].
Loading green channel data
File loaded in LRGB module [C:\Users\rober\Downloads\Ha.fit].
--- Bin
Parameter [Scale] set to [(scale/noise reduction 50.00%)/(400.00%)/(+2.00 bits)]
Image size is 1375 x 1100
--- Auto Develop
Parameter [Ignore Fine Detail <] set to [1.1 pixels]
Parameter [Outside RoI Influence] set to [15 %]
Parameter [RoI X1] set to [290 pixels]
Parameter [RoI Y1] set to [300 pixels]
Parameter [RoI X2] set to [1091 pixels (-284)]
Parameter [RoI Y2] set to [891 pixels (-209)]
Parameter [Detector Gamma] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Shadow Linearity] set to [50 %]
--- Contrast
Parameter [Expose Dark Areas] set to [No]
Parameter [Compensate Gamma] set to [No]
Parameter [Precision] set to [256 x 256 pixels]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Filter] set to [6 pixels]
Parameter [Aggressiveness] set to [50 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Headroom] set to [50 %]
--- HDR
Parameter [Small Detail Precision] set to [Max]
Parameter [Channels] set to [Brightness Only]
Parameter [Algorithm] set to [Reveal DSO Core]
Parameter [Dark/Bright Response] set to [Full]
Parameter [Detail Size Range] set to [1000 pixels]
Parameter [Strength] set to [1.5]
--- Wavelet Sharpen
Parameter [Structure Size] set to [Large]
--- SNR-aware Wavelet Sharpening
Parameter [Scale 1] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 2] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 3] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 4] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 5] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [4 pixels]
Parameter [Amount] set to [300 %]
Parameter [High SNR Size Bias] set to [85 %]
Parameter [Low SNR Size Bias] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Dark/Light Enhance] set to [50% / 50%]
Mask used (BASE64 PNG encoded)

--- Deconvolution
Parameter [Image Type] set to [Deep Space]
Parameter [Secondary PSF] set to [Off (Primary Only)]
Parameter [Primary PSF] set to [Moffat Beta=4.765 (Trujillo)]
Parameter [Tracking Propagation] set to [During Regularization (Quality)]
Parameter [Primary Radius] set to [1.5 pixels]
Parameter [Iterations] set to [11]
Parameter [Regularization] set to [1.00 (optimal noise and detail)]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [8.0 pixels]
Parameter [Enhanced Deringing] set to [50 %]
Parameter [Bright Response] set to [Full]
--- Life
Parameter [Detail Preservation] set to [Linear Brightness Mask]
Parameter [Compositing Algorithm] set to [Multiply, Gamma Correct]
Parameter [Inherit Brightness, Color] set to [Brightness]
Parameter [Output Glow Only] set to [No]
Parameter [Airy Disk Sampling] set to [128 x 128 pixels]
Parameter [Airy Disk Radius] set to [8 pixels]
Parameter [Glow Threshold] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Detail Preservation Radius] set to [20.0 pixels]
Parameter [Saturation] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Strength] set to [75 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Mask used (BASE64 PNG encoded)

--- Color
Parameter [Bias Slider Mode] set to [Sliders Reduce Color Bias]
Parameter [Style] set to [Scientific (Color Constancy)]
Parameter [LRGB Method Emulation] set to [RGB Ratio, CIELab Luminance Retention]
Parameter [Matrix] set to [SHO 40SII+60Ha,70Ha+30OIII,100OIII]
Parameter [Dark Saturation] set to [2.30]
Parameter [Bright Saturation] set to [5.00]
Parameter [Saturation Amount] set to [325 %]
Parameter [Blue Bias Reduce] set to [2.72]
Parameter [Green Bias Reduce] set to [3.57]
Parameter [Red Bias Reduce] set to [1.63]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Cap Green] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Highlight Repair] set to [8 pixels]
--- Entropy-driven Detail Enhancement
Parameter [Resolution] set to [Medium]
Parameter [Channel Selection] set to [Green (SHO Ha)]
Parameter [Strength] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Midtone Pull Filter] set to [20.0 pixels]
Parameter [Midtone Pull Strength] set to [50 %]
Parameter [Dark/Light Enhance] set to [0% / 100%]
Undo
Image size is 1375 x 1100
--- Color
Parameter [Bias Slider Mode] set to [Sliders Reduce Color Bias]
Parameter [Style] set to [Scientific (Color Constancy)]
Parameter [LRGB Method Emulation] set to [Straight CIELab Luminance Retention]
Parameter [Matrix] set to [SHO 40SII+60Ha,70Ha+30OIII,100OIII]
Parameter [Dark Saturation] set to [Full]
Parameter [Bright Saturation] set to [1.30]
Parameter [Saturation Amount] set to [300 %]
Parameter [Blue Bias Reduce] set to [1.62]
Parameter [Green Bias Reduce] set to [1.16]
Parameter [Red Bias Reduce] set to [1.32]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Cap Green] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Highlight Repair] set to [Off]
File saved [C:\Users\rober\OneDrive\Desktop\Crescent ST IKI.tiff].

Edited September 27, 2020 by Bobby1970

[Derbyshire Dave 25]

Hi,

Thanks for sharing the data, it's excellent.

Processing started off in Pixinsight with star alignment, channel combination and some basic histogram stretching as 32 bit data.

Then switched to Photoshop. Added a threshold layer and used the color sampler to find the darkest point of the image, then used that to help balance the colour channels.

A little bit of HLVG to tone down the green, then added a hubble palette tweak with selective colour.  Stretching using curves. Tiny tad of selective sharpening on the main nebula.

 

 

[Spongey 216]

Once again, incredible data to work with, thank you!

This one was a little tricker to process in my opinion, and I ended up going for a HOO combination for my first attempt as it looks like a few others have too.

Processed in PixInsight and finished up in Adobe Lightroom.

Cheers

[Andy R 398]

Well I don't think I've had as sweaty palms as I had when I first looked at the Data after stretching the images, thank you SGL/FLO for sharing. lovely data.

I stuck with the SHO Hubble palette and approached the processing with little idea as to how i was going process it in Photoshop, still learning the dark art, and to be truthful I still dont. I think it was along the lines of:-

After initial stretch and combine colour channels

Masked out the Nebula from background (Object selection tool tidied up with lasso tool) and selective colour on background.

Inverted mask and selective colour on Nebula

Kept the same mask and performed dust and scratches on background

blended the Nebula edges in with  blur tool

Used Ha copy and pasted as luminance layer on top reduced opacity

a couple of curve adjustments and star reduction in there somewhere., blurred the stars on the Nebula with a small diameter blur tool.

and I think thats about it, Bit of noise reduction ah and a Hipass sharpen, layer set to overlay 25% opacity.

I shall do a more orthodox image maybe,

Thanks

Andy

 

[Whistlin Bob 910]

Like a few others I found this one a bit trickier to process than the M16 from last month- despite the strength of the data. I've played with SHO and HOO on this; I preferred the SHO, but might try and do a HOO as well if I get some time. The process I used is below; this is all in Pixinsight:

- Rotated Ha image to the direction I prefer then registered the other images to it.

- Clone each channel and stretch them to mask for Noise Reduction (though noise was fairly minimal)

- Use Multiscale Linear Transform for noise reduction, quite strongly at single and double pixel scale (threshold of 3 and 3 iterations) and gently ay 4 pixel scale (1 and 1)

- Masked Stretch on each channel

- Bit of curves to enhance them further.

- Clone each channel, create a star mask, invert it to protect the stars and then remove the nebulae and smaller stars.

- Apply Starnet to the original channels to create Starless version

- Combine the Channels as SHO

- I usually try and use Hue and SCNR to give a less green / more golden appearance, but it really didn't seem to improve this data.

- Instead, I held the green and red (there's not much Sii in any case) and boosted the blue to stop the green being completely dominant and try to enhance the lovely oxygen envelope around the Wolf-Rayet shockwaves.

- Luminance mask and another round of noise reduction similar to before.

- Invert the mask and enhance detail; I found the MLT didn't work well on this data and so used a mild Local Histogram Equalisation instead. To be fair- it's pretty sharp already!

- Finally, add the stars back in- I couldn't get colours I was happy with on this, so I mostly de-saturated them instead.

Again- it's been a pleasure to process such strong data and to compare what I've come up with to other peoples images. It's really interesting to see how different peoples preferences are. Looking forward to the next data release!

[carastro 8,642]

Another attempt at this in SHO.

Levels and Curves

Selective colour

Slight star reduction

Slight colour noise reduction from the stars.

 

 

[tomato 2,417]

Here is my go, I used StarTools initially but didn't like the colour saturation outcome so I have gone for combining the Channels in APP using the SHO Hubble palette 2. After an auto stretch 20% BG, 3 Sigma, 2.5% base, I moved it into Affinity Photo and worked down the list. Most change was effected by the use of the HSL tool, but I confess there is no science going on, I was just trying to highlight the nebula detail and retain the background detail in a nice red/brown hue.

The data is absolutely superb, if one of the ideas behind the competition is to wear down folk's resolve to image from the UK, it might be working...

 

[igorigs 61]

Composed in StarTools, used Ha.fit, Sii.fit, OIII.fit. Used AutoDev and after that tweaked the colors. Can't really explain the whole process as this was my first time actually composing any image at all so mostly I was playing with it. As I couldn't save the image in StarTools (free license) had to PrntScrn and save it in Paint 

[Neko 22]

First of all, thank you for the opportunity to play with such amazing data! 
Actually is the first time for me to copose an SHO I have an OSC so found this challenging and pretty complicated! Specially with my 10yo laptop! haha

I might give a go again with different settings... 

StarTools 1.7.422alpha
Mon Sep 28 15:28:51 2020
-----------------------------------------------------------
Loading luminance channel data
File loaded in LRGB moduleLuminance mixed.tiff].
Loading red channel data
File loaded in LRGB module Sii.fit].
Loading green channel data
File loaded in LRGB moduleHa.fit].
Loading blue channel data
File loaded in LRGB module [Oiii.fit].
--- Compose
Parameter [Luminance, Color] set to [L, RGB]
Parameter set to [On]
Parameter [Lum Total Exposure] set to [2h25m (145m) (8700s)]
Parameter [Blue Total Exposure] set to [1h00m (60m) (3600s)]
Parameter [Green Total Exposure] set to [1h00m (60m) (3600s)]
Parameter [Red Total Exposure] set to [1h00m (60m) (3600s)]
Image size is 2750 x 2200
Type of Data: Linear, was not Bayered, or was Bayered + white balanced
--- Auto Develop
Parameter [Ignore Fine Detail <] set to [Off]
Parameter [Outside RoI Influence] set to [15 %]
Parameter [RoI X1] set to [0 pixels]
Parameter [RoI Y1] set to [0 pixels]
Parameter [RoI X2] set to [2750 pixels (-0)]
Parameter [RoI Y2] set to [2200 pixels (-0)]
Parameter [Detector Gamma] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Shadow Linearity] set to [100 %]
--- Crop
Parameter [X1] set to [30 pixels]
Parameter [Y1] set to [24 pixels]
Parameter [X2] set to [2720 pixels (-30)]
Parameter [Y2] set to [2176 pixels (-24)]
Image size is 2690 x 2152
--- Wipe
Parameter [Precision] set to [256 x 256 pixels]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Filter] set to [Off]
Parameter [Drop Off Point] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Corner Aggressiveness] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Aggressiveness] set to [25 %]
--- Auto Develop
Parameter [Ignore Fine Detail <] set to [Off]
Parameter [Outside RoI Influence] set to [100 %]
Parameter [RoI X1] set to [900 pixels]
Parameter [RoI Y1] set to [739 pixels]
Parameter [RoI X2] set to [1757 pixels (-933)]
Parameter [RoI Y2] set to [1731 pixels (-421)]
Parameter [Detector Gamma] set to [1.28]
Parameter [Shadow Linearity] set to [100 %]
--- Bin
Parameter [Scale] set to [(scale/noise reduction 50.00%)/(400.00%)/(+2.00 bits)]
Image size is 1345 x 1076
--- HDR
Parameter [Small Detail Precision] set to [Max]
Parameter [Channels] set to [Brightness Only]
Parameter [Algorithm] set to [Reveal DSO Core]
Parameter [Dark/Bright Response] set to [Full]
Parameter [Detail Size Range] set to [1000 pixels]
Parameter [Strength] set to [1.3]
--- Wavelet Sharpen
Parameter [Structure Size] set to [Large]
Mask used (BASE64 PNG encoded)

--- Deconvolution
Parameter [Image Type] set to [Deep Space]
Parameter [Secondary PSF] set to [Off (Primary Only)]
Parameter [Primary PSF] set to [Moffat Beta=4.765 (Trujillo)]
Parameter [Primary Radius] set to [1.5 pixels]
Parameter [Iterations] set to [11]
Parameter [Error Diffusion] set to [Off]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [8.0 pixels]
Parameter [Deringing] set to [50 %]
--- Color
Parameter [Bias Slider Mode] set to [Sliders Reduce Color Bias]
Parameter [Style] set to [Artistic, Not Detail Aware]
Parameter [LRGB Method Emulation] set to [RGB Ratio, CIELab Luminance Retention]
Parameter [Matrix] set to [SHO 20SII+80Ha,20Ha+80OIII,100OIII]
Parameter [Dark Saturation] set to [2.0]
Parameter [Bright Saturation] set to [Full]
Parameter [Saturation Amount] set to [290 %]
Parameter [Blue Bias Reduce] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Green Bias Reduce] set to [2.62]
Parameter [Red Bias Reduce] set to [1.40]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Cap Green] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Highlight Repair] set to [8 pixels]
--- Entropy-driven Detail Enhancement
Parameter [Resolution] set to [Medium]
Parameter [Channel Selection] set to [Blue (Vis.Reflection,SHO OIII)]
Parameter [Strength] set to [80 %]
Parameter [Midtone Pull Filter] set to [20.0 pixels]
Parameter [Midtone Pull Strength] set to [50 %]
Parameter [Dark/Light Enhance] set to [0% / 100%]
--- Filter
Parameter [Filter Mode] set to [Saturate H-beta]
Parameter [Sampling Method] set to [3x3 Average]
Parameter [Filter Width] set to [5]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]

SAved the file and finished tweaking in Lightroom (noise reduction, sharpening and levels specially ) 

^^ 

 

[bdlbug 487]

Very interesting time processing this great set of data - thank you SGL and the Ikarus Observatory project.
This dateset  gave me a good reason to get on and research alternative combinations of the narrowband channels.
I used PI for the initial stretch and then used PixelMath to combine and created two options using what is referred to as Dynamic Combinations that I found on thecoldestnights website, https://thecoldestnights.com/2020/06/pixinsight-dynamic-narrowband-combinations-with-pixelmath/

I  used these equations

Sii/Ha/Oiii :
R = (Oiii^~Oiii)*Sii + ~(Oiii^~Oiii)*Ha
G = ((Oiii*Ha)^~(Oiii*Ha))*Ha + ~((Oiii*Ha)^~(Oiii*Ha))*Oiii
B = Oiii

Ha/Oiii :
R = Ha
G = ((Oiii*Ha)^~(Oiii*Ha))*Ha + ~((Oiii*Ha)^~(Oiii*Ha))*Oiii
B = Oiii

Neither option gave a very pleasing output, but for some reason I decided to move into PS, that I am more familiar with, and layered the SHO version over the HOO using 'Saturation'
That gave me a better colour mix to work with in Photoshop, I then went on to use curves/levels/selective Colour/ topaz denoise/Sharpening (not much) and reduce stars. - result below

I will say I am not very familiar with PI and I think somewhere I managed to reduce to bits/pixel to 8 - so I have probably lost some information in the processes explained above, anyway my submission.....

 

 

 

 

Edited September 28, 2020 by bdlbug

[Andy R 398]

2nd and final attempt, same workflow as before except no star reduction and HOO palette instead

Thanks

Andy

[TerryMcK 1,036]

This is proving to be very difficult data to process for me. Those pesky stars are very dominant. I hope to post my attempt soon.

[carastro 8,642]

Amazing how so many different versions can be made from the same data.

Carole 

[Hallingskies 983]

Thought I'd have a go.  The OIII data was better than anything I've ever got on this object, and highlights my limited processing skills. For this version, I made RGB compositions of the starless (Starnet) and star-reduced data, using Ha/SII/OIII as RGB.  I then just randomly messed about using layers in Paint Shop Pro until I found something I liked and that also showed up that lovely OIII data without burning out the nebula - at which I only partially succeeded.  There wasn't much SII but it did give a few interesting green bits.

 

Edited September 29, 2020 by Hallingskies
iPad version of image added to tone down psychedelic background!

[Whistlin Bob 910]

Here's my HOO effort. Exactly the same technique as my SHO version above, but with the channels fed as follows:

Red= Ha at 100%

Green = Oiii at 75%

Blue - Oiii at 150%

Plus I didn't desaturate the stars. I was happy with the colour mix compared with other combinations I tried, but then looking again at some of the others here, have I made mine too blue? I think you could process and re-process this indefinitely with different tones and hues!