SGL 2023 Challenge 8 - Novice Deepsky imaging

[MartinB]

Well our novice deep sky imagers certainly stepped up to the plate with this one.  Some outstanding images.  Not only does this reflect upon the talent of our novices but also the huge strides that have been made with equipment and processing software.  Also lets not forget the benefit of the advice and support available on SGL.

As usual, there were some very tough decisions.

1) OK Apricot - M42

M42 is a very popular target for obvious reasons, however, it presents some serious challenges, in particular the brightness range of the relevant signal.  OK Apricot took full advantage of a dark sky, applied some very effective high dynamic range processing techniques along with the wonderful NoiseXexterminator AI tool to control the noise in the faint dusty regions.  Wonderful!

2) Leti Theobald - The Wizard Nebula

Leti started imaging 8 months before capturing this image of the Wizard Nebula.  It was only her second time out with a new mono camera.  The narrow band false colour rendition is spot on.  The processing shows commendable restraint allowing the Wizard to glow  and to sit comfortably in its starscape.  Beautiful work!

3) Monster Magnet - IC 1396 - The Elephant Trunk Nebula

My goodness, how one shot colour cameras have improved especially when combined with narrow band pass filters such as the Optolong L'Extreme used for this image.  Despite a Bortle 9 London sky Monster Magnet's  has pulled out some exquisite faint dusty detail.  Well done!

 

[OK Apricot]

Wow! Thank you so much 😊. Must've been a tough vote as the submissions here were excellent. Congrats to the other winners and well done to everyone for the really good images 🙏

[happy-kat]

Enjoyed a late to look all all the super entries in this challenge

[MonsterMagnet]

3 hours ago, OK Apricot said:

Wow! Thank you so much 😊. Must've been a tough vote as the submissions here were excellent. Congrats to the other winners and well done to everyone for the really good images 🙏

 

Congratulations!

A worthy winner and a truly superb image.  The way that you've managed to capture the dust but not blow out the core is excellent.

MM.

[Leti Theobald]

Thank you so much !!!! I'm so happy you enjoyed it - congrats to all the other winners 🤗

[AstroNebulee]

Fantastic outstanding images, well done everyone 👏

Lee