Andromeda Galaxy (M31) through four nights

[geeklee]

I'm seen some really inspiring images of M31 recently on SGL, so thanks to everyone that's posted these.  

After breaking out of those light nights in the NE of Scotland I managed to capture M31 over 4 nights last week (with the usual cloud dodging)

This was captured with a Redcat 51 and ZWO ASI533, ~9.1 hours (274 x 120s subs).  The small chip size of the ASI533 just squeezed M31 in at a 45 degree angle with the RedCat.

Captured with Voyager, calibrated and stacked in APP and processed in PixInsight.  As always, any feedback for improvement is always welcome.

(It looks more blurry than normal following a PNG upload - there's a full size version on Astrobin - see sig)

As a relative beginner, I'm always interested in the process people follow - from camera to post processing.  So hopefully this helps anyone doing the same target with similar equipment what each phase looked like for me

In PI, the image above had the following performed:

• Crop, Dynamic Background Extraction, Background Neutralization, Colour Calibration
• Initial Histogram Transformation (low)
• Further HT stretches, but with masks
• Some Curves Transformation with masks (background saturation, removing some green, general saturation increase)
• LocalHistogramEqualization, little sharpening with MultiscaleLinearTransform
• Very low application of TGV Denoise (I forgot this in the linear stage) - chrominance noise was a minor benefit, but I hardly applied any for Lightness.
• Dark Structure Enhance script with a low "amount"

Here's one sub next to the final stack, the final stack at 1:1 and lastly another more in your face revision with larger and more stars!

Edited September 24, 2020 by geeklee

[Rustang]

Very nice, nice and natural looking which is where I spent a day struggling with. Its a difficult target in post but yours looks lovely 👍

[Laurin Dave]

Very good, nicely processed and its come out well..

 

Dave

[geeklee]

37 minutes ago, Rustang said:

Very nice, nice and natural looking which is where I spent a day struggling with. Its a difficult target in post but yours looks lovely 👍

Thanks @Rustang.  Agree, it was difficult to decide on a route to take for the colour, saturation and brightness.  I really liked the more punchy version too.

 

[Rustang]

5 minutes ago, geeklee said:

Thanks @Rustang.  Agree, it was difficult to decide on a route to take for the colour, saturation and brightness.  I really liked the more punchy version too.

 

I feel its ok to boost a little and add that punch, not going crazy though and its not like your really faking the color as such, its there your just boosting it. Everyone different in there approach but its your image at the end of the day 😊

Edited September 24, 2020 by Rustang

[geeklee]

12 hours ago, Laurin Dave said:

Very good, nicely processed and its come out well..

 

Dave

Thanks Dave, appreciate the comments.  Your recent version will be one for me to try and emulate!

Edited September 24, 2020 by geeklee

[peter shah]

beautifully processed....superb job

[geeklee]

16 minutes ago, peter shah said:

beautifully processed....superb job

Thanks Peter, appreciate the comments.

[tomato]

Top notch, lovely subtle colour and a nice balance between the core and outer faint regions.👍

[geeklee]

2 hours ago, tomato said:

Top notch, lovely subtle colour and a nice balance between the core and outer faint regions.👍

Thanks  @tomato, I appreciate the feedback.

[mackiedlm]

Great image. well done

 

[Allinthehead]

Wonderful M31 Lee. Very natural delicate processing.

[geeklee]

On 24/09/2020 at 16:02, mackiedlm said:

Great image. well done

 

 

3 hours ago, Allinthehead said:

Wonderful M31 Lee. Very natural delicate processing.

Thanks for the feedback @mackiedlm & Richard 😊