[Gavin1234]

Thanks guys I probably didn’t explain my workflow very well.

Using PixInsight.
I took 20 x 10 sec subs then stacked those together.
I also tool 20 x 30 sec subs then stacked them.
Finally approximately 50 x 300 sec subs stacked.

So I ended up with 3 images. Then I aligned the 3 images using my 300 sec stack as the reference. Then I did a HDR composition to combine the three into one. Unstretched I can see the core very well so the data is definitely there.

So then a did a very gentle stretch and ran the HDR multiscale transformation but it just isn’t working for me no matter how many layers I use. Funny thing is, I’ve used this procedure before and it has worked but this time around and on one other previous occasion it’s not working. It even worked on one iteration of this image where I messed up the colour. I'm almost certain I'm doing everything up to the HDR MT the same way.


Edit: These pictures might help explain.

The first is the un-stretched core from the stack of 10 sec images, before I did the HDR composition.


The second is the unstretched core from the composite.


The third is my first iteration which is way over processed. I was basically just messing around at this point and didn't save a copy in between the HDR MST working and me completely messing it up.


The fourth is the version Im working on now which is getting close to the colour and detail I want but for some reason I cant get the core right this time around.


Ive started from scratch a few times and tried the HDR MST at different points in the process. Just cant get it working. I think Im probably missing something simple but cant figure it out.

I am planning to reduce my exposure times but in Sydney at the moment its been nothing but cloud and it will be that way for a long time so I just want to process the data I already have while I wait.