The Witch Head Nebula IC2118

[strongmanmike]

With the IIS server going down this post was lost... so here it is again :)

About 900 light years away, this faint molecular cloud lies in the constellation Eridanus but it is actually lit up by the brilliant giant blue white star Rigel, the brightest star in Orion and seventh brightest star in the sky. Faint red hydrogen emission also permeates the whole scene. The profile of a witch's face is clearly seen in the cloud, complete with straggly hair, big eye sockets, a hooked nose, open mouth and big chin

I went for a very natural colour look and tried really hard to maintain the gaseous appearance of the nebula and capture all the subtle colours of the region. To facilitate this, I used no deconvolution or gradient removal (it didn't need any as this passes through the darkest part of my sky), no star reduction and almost no noise reduction (just a tad on the faintest Ha puffs)

IC 2118 The Witch Head Nebula (https://www.flickr.com/photos/strongman/38204475135/in/dateposted-public/) (click on image to enlarge )

To surf around finding galaxies and lots of puffs of gas in the 4deg X 4deg field, see the 19meg Full Resolution image HERE (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/166698764/original)

This is only the third light image for this new rig (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/166629119/original) and I have to say, I am really enjoying what it does

Enjoy

Mike

[Stevec35]

That's a great witch head Mike. Beautiful very natural colour. IMHO one of the best images of this object ever.

Cheers

Steve

[RickS]

A most excellent Witch Head, Mike :thumbsup:

[markas]

Great shot, Mike. It gives a wonderful sense of 3D space.

Mark

[willik]

TOP SHOT
Martin

[Andy01]

Beautiffully done Mike - Another benchmark image.
You have that new rig singing nicely ideed! :rockband:

Hmmm - I might as well give up on entering the Malins this year, there's some stunning images being posted here recently already! :thumbsup:

[billdan]

Awesome Mike, great FOV.

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Rick, Mark, Martin, Andy and Bill :)

I saw a few had replied to my original post version, before the IIS server went down yesterday, so thanks to all you guys too :thumbsup:

I wish I could claim most of the kudos for how well these images are coming out :shrug:...but really, it is mostly the scope and camera and the processing has been a breeze :thanx:...I do have to drive out and turn the dome and baby sit the scope..?.. so, hey, I do have some input I guess..? :P

Mike

[RickS]

I like the composition. I suppose you can claim credit for that too :D

[strongmanmike]

True!...F I'm good! :lol:

Mike

[Placidus]

Before the crash I mentioned the delightful collection of distant background galaxies, with shape and form and detail. Probably forgot the bleeding obvious: the whole image is magnificent.

Best,
Mike

[marc4darkskies]

Superb colour, superb composition, superb depth, superb clarity, superb processing .... with ..... superb equipment :D

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Mike and Trish, there is always something about finding faint galaxies in and around lots of dust and gas :)



Well, what a superb reply :thumbsup:...Mr Heavy Hitter :P

Finally found your new place on Google Earth, what a great spot you guys have there, very dark Bortle 2 (and almost 1 :eyepop:) too with SQM 21.98...niiice, if the seeing cooperates you will be an even heavier hitter :eyepop: :lol:

Mike

[Imme]

That is an amazing shot Mike....so much depth and so much clarity.

This kind of quality really is something we can all aspire to try and produce

[marc4darkskies]

There's a small light dome from Goulburn 20km away but it does look pretty dark here. The seeing can't be as bad as Grose Vale (? :prey: ?). Alas, it will be months before I can start imaging again (clean optics, rebuild observatory, reassemble and re-collimate).

[strongmanmike]

Thanks very much Jon :)



I have a good feeling for you ;) ..you should order that 24" F3.3 SDM now :thumbsup:

Mike

[Ross G]

Hello Mike.

That is one beautiful photo!
So sharp and detailed.
Great colour and I love the composition.

I have been away from this hobby for a while and to come back to photos of this quality inspires me to get back into again.

An FSQ with a large chip ccd in your hands is such a deadly weapon!...I look forward to many more amazing widefield photos from you.

Ross.

[strongmanmike]

Gee thanks a lot Rossco :thumbsup: From first dreaming about it and waiting nearly 2 years, from first inception to finally getting it happening, I couldn't be happier with how it all works :)

Mike

[multiweb]

Looks great. Very deep and you brought out the background red nebs nicely. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Thanks a lot Marc :) :) :)

Mike

[stevous67]

I just love coming back to this image for another look. :thumbsup:

Cya Mike,

Steve

[strongmanmike]

Thanks a lot Steve...so do I :thanx: :help:, I still can't believe what this scope and camera can do, like a big kid in a candy store..... :P

Mike

[peter_4059]

Great image Mike. I've always wanted to try this one however it looks like you need a big field and a lot of time.

[JA]

Well done on a wonderful image full of detail and depth.:thumbsup:

Best
JA

[strongmanmike]

Yes a good sized field helps with the Witch Head, it looks better with a bit of field size, having enough to also fit in Rigel was just a bonus :)



Cheers :thumbsup:

[cazza132]

Very nice Mike! Good details in the witch's head and the Ha. Very natural colour overall.

[rustigsmed]

super shot mike. love the colour too.

:thumbsup:

Russ

[Bart]

Very nice image. I'm thinking this is my next target although it will need to be a mosaic.

Great stuff, Mike. :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Russel and Troy and good luck with the mosaic Bart :thumbsup:

Mike

[bigjoe]

Even he .. "Rocket Man" , would be impressed..
Always enjoy looking at your work , even though I rarely comment on them.
bigjoe.

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Joe :) nice to hear :thumbsup:...but always enjoy comments though :)...even if they are bad :P

Mike