M78 from Bortle 2

[CCD-Freak]

I recently imaged M78 from my Star Ranch Obs which is at the low end of Bortle 2.   

200 x 2 minutes with an ASI-533MCP with a Baader UV-IR filter through a Sharpstar 150 mm F2.8 Hyper Newt.  Captured and processed with AstroArt 8. 

I am still working with the data and would like to see what people think of this version. 

I am just not quite ready to "stick a fork in it and call it done"  (^8

 

[wimvb]

Nice! I like the details you've captured. I think though that the right hand side is a bit blue. If you decrease the blue in this image, the red clouds will benefit and become more saturated.

Thanks for sharing.

[gorann]

I agree with Wim, excellent details and dust but I would also bring down the curve for the blue channel a bit. If you have PI you could also see what SCNR-green does to it (or any other program that removes green). I feel there is a slight green tone in the dust here and there.

[gorann]

Could not stop myself trying some adjustments using PS. Hope you do not mind. I adjusted the color curves a bit and also adjusted the magenta and red using Selective Color.

Cheers, Göran

 

 

Edited November 22, 2021 by gorann

[CCD-Freak]

Thanks for the comments.   I had already reduced the blue in this earlier version but I see a few areas that have a green tint to them and I was concerned that the image was getting to much of an orange tint.     This earlier image looks more like Gorans version.    I will work some more

[CCD-Freak]

Here is another version where I tried to make it look more natural and to make the dust look darker.

There are just so many ways to process this data.  (^8

[gorann]

Looking very good now John! Especially the last one. And yes, there can be many good versions of an image. In addition they may also look different on different screens.

[Clarkey]

On 22/11/2021 at 02:53, CCD-Freak said:

low end of Bortle 2.

I have dreams of Bortle 2🤣

Great image - I love the 3D appearance of the central bright area.

[GalaxyGael]

Bortle 2 would be nice, lucky you. Great image of that region and good to see another Sharpstar/Hypergraph at work! I agree the less processed, more natural one is nicest and a great benefit of the light gathering ability to be able tp ick up the reds, pinks, purples etc. without specific filters. and keep star color intact.

 

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Some lovely detail there. The combination of F/2.8 and Bortle 2 skies really works well. I really should get my 6" F/5 Schmidt Newt to a dark site and gun for this object again

[CCD-Freak]

I am loving having "my own little dark corner of the universe"  (^8  I feel very lucky to have it.   The Bortle 2 sky and the fast Newt really allow getting deep into many objects.

This is the first stack of NGC1333 I took at the last new moon.  200 x 2 minutes.  This still has some issues I need to fix but it should turn out to be a nice image once I am done tweaking it.

 

[gorann]

I am sure John it is going to be more than lovely after a few tweaks! I feel (on my screen) that there is a bit of green that needs to be tuned down, but it is already a very lovely image.