Tarantula Nebula – 17 hour Narrowband Image

[TR]

This image was taken under the glorious light dome of Melbourne. Just 15 km from the CBD of Melbourne. I know the framing can be better. But this image started out as a test image, where I was testing my equipment, measuring and recording stuff. Well in the end, I just kept adding to it. I have seven nights here where I would set up. Polar align, and tear down each each night I imaged. It is presented at half resolution of the original, full frame, not cropped.

Data:
Vixen R200SS with comma corrector (f4 8 inch newt)
Astro-Physics AP900 mount.
SBIG ST-8300 mono running at -15C.
Baader Narrowband Filters:: SII 8nm, H-alpha 7 nm, and OIII 8.5nm

Exposure times:

SII 17 x 20 min mapped to Red
Ha 18 x 20 min mapped to Green
OIII 16 x 20 min mapped to Blue

Image Processing:

CCDStack was used to calibrate, align, normalise, data rejection, and finally
perform the stacking for each channel.
ImagesPlus was used for texture enhancement and additional stretching
PhotoShop was used to combine the data into a false colour Hubble Palette image.

There is probably about 60 min work into the image processing. I am sure, if I
knew more in this area, there should be enough data to make a great shot.

Terry

[Larryp]

Looks great, Terry. Heaps of detail:thumbsup:

[RobF]

Terry, I love it. It has a wonderful tightness in the detail, and you haven't blown the core as is so common. Wonderful contrast, and really like how your colour balance came out. Would love to see the hi res if you are willing to show. I guess you've been rewarded well for the effort you say was put into this one.

[gregbradley]

A great image Terry. Its very 3D and luminous.

Greg.

[Peter Ward]

Looks good, but the compression artifacts are woeful.

Sorry ...do you have a link to a much higher-res image?

[Scorpius51]

Stunning detail, depth and colour. Well done, Terry!

[Mighty_oz]

Second that, like to see it in all it's glory :)

[Rigel003]

Very impressive image Terry. Great work for your 4th post on IIS and it makes me think that there's hope for imaging from the burbs. Interesting to see Images Plus included in your processing workflow.

[alpal]

It's a great result & I too would like to see a large version.

[cybereye]

The balance of light which gives a sense of depth to this image is fantastic! I just get drawn into the core.... :thumbsup:

Mario

[stevous67]

Terrific, love the detail in this low res image.

Good stuff Terry.

Steve :thumbsup:

[Ross G]

A great photo Terry.

So much detail and so sharp.

What focuser do you have on your R200SS?

Ross.

[TR]

Ross,

I am using the stock focuser. There is nothing wrong with the stock focuser. It's a nice rack and pinion once adjusted. A rack and pinion will not slip, acts like a brake if connected to a stepper for focusing, the steps are absolute. No slipping with temperature changes. All very important if you are using something like focusMax and want predictable repeatable focusing.

Terry