A popular target this time of year, the nebula IC2177 soars like a huge magenta bird just south of the celestial equator on the boarder between the constellations of Canis Major and Monoceros. Like The Orion nebula, to me at least, this object never seems to look that good in narrowband ...so I used narrow band emission line data to augment a natural true colour SIIHaOIIIRGB image...quite happy with the result in the end.
I wanted to frame it so it really looked like it was soaring like a bird.
As is the case all the time these days, the data collection went without a hitch with perfect guiding, as good as +/- 0.15 arc sec for extended periods and not one sub chucked
You should be very happy with that result. It's beautiful. I would like to know how you go about stretching the data? The stars are very tight and controlled.
So often it seems like if I stretch the image to the point I like the nebula or main object, the stars come out bloated and larger than I want. I can only reduce star size so much before adverse artifacts show up.
Aaargh! Another one! .. and it's lovely too! You guys (incl. Troy) are killing me!
it's a beautiful image Mike - I'm enjoying the - traditional? treatment and colours - your star colours are spot on, and the composition is terrific!
Thought I had all the data I needed on this thing (22hrs) after two months and two panels but to balance the composition it needs three more panels (sigh), loving that new widefield combo of yours.
Very striking. I like it. Lovely star colours as well. Quite a lovely field. Good choice of target as it suits the FSQ very well.
Greg
Thanks Greg, yeah trying to chose targets to make the most of the chip and corrected field...there are so many cool ones and not enough clear nights
Quote:
Originally Posted by joelshort
You should be very happy with that result. It's beautiful. I would like to know how you go about stretching the data? The stars are very tight and controlled.
So often it seems like if I stretch the image to the point I like the nebula or main object, the stars come out bloated and larger than I want. I can only reduce star size so much before adverse artifacts show up.
Thanks Joel Basically...I median combine dithered subs, apply DDP then a log stretch, then adjust the curve on the mono data, all using Astroart6. I am carful not to over stretch the stars and I can usually achieve this by using several adjustment points along the curve, adjusting the nebulosity without affecting the stars too much Then when I take it into PS I protect the stars if necessary.
Quote:
Originally Posted by troypiggo
Awesome. I had to do a 2x3 mosaic to get similar FoV. Also jealous of your guiding accuracy
Cheers Troy, yeah a 4deg X 4deg FOV should allow me to avoid dastardly mosaics for a while longer now
Chicken Mike
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy01
Aaargh! Another one! .. and it's lovely too! You guys (incl. Troy) are killing me!
it's a beautiful image Mike - I'm enjoying the - traditional? treatment and colours - your star colours are spot on, and the composition is terrific!
Thought I had all the data I needed on this thing (22hrs) after two months and two panels but to balance the composition it needs three more panels (sigh), loving that new widefield combo of yours.
Ha ha cheers Andy, yes the massive FOV with this outfit is pretty darn useful I'm slowly losing my overexcitedness ..it's just that I haven't been able to image these sort'a fields with that cool sharp look since the mid 80's when I had a Pentax 6X7 and 300mm Lens
Gorgeous and compelling. I spent ages just enjoying the variations in texture and colour in the starry background. One thinks of a seaside that varies from polished wet gravel to finest sand to interesting sea-shells large and small. And then there is the nebula! Lovely work.
wow, what a great image. Whatever your colour process, it is working really well - lovely to look at.
Thanks a lot Ray...I'm really enjoying these wide sharp vistas...but heck, your bloody latest top notch galaxy shot has made me feel like switching over to the H694-AG12 (takes just a couple'a minutes) for another one myself, ...after I have completed the latest wide shot I have under construction
Quote:
Originally Posted by markas
Splendid image, Mike. It's great to see the whole bird rendered so beautifully
Mark
Thankyou very much Mark
Quote:
Originally Posted by Placidus
Gorgeous and compelling. I spent ages just enjoying the variations in texture and colour in the starry background. One thinks of a seaside that varies from polished wet gravel to finest sand to interesting sea-shells large and small. And then there is the nebula! Lovely work.
Best,
Mike
Glad you enjoyed the view Mike, it's great seeing so much in one frame...I think all I need now is something like a nice 180mm F2.8 lens to complete the set
Quote:
Originally Posted by LewisM
Cracker, corker and blardy gud! Not even neon pinkified!
Got to love the acreage the FSQ's sweep in.
Thanks Lewis, I still would'a thought this juuust a bit pink for you
...so I used narrow band emission line data to augment a natural true colour SIIHaOIIIRGB image...quite happy with the result in the end.
and not one sub chucked 
) to identify all the good bits.
for a while longer now 
..it's just that I haven't been able to image these sort'a fields with that cool sharp look since the mid 80's when I had a Pentax 6X7 and 300mm Lens 
