Orion Nebula

[JZ]

Hi Folks,

You can tell summer's coming, Orion's rising!
Here is my first attempt at the Orion nebula.
Still got a lot to learn about processing so I would be most interested in people's comments.

Taken from Heathcote 2nd November,
Takahashi 160mm newtonian F3.3 and EOS 60Da
17 x 120 sec lights ISO 800
10 darks
20 flats.

Cheers,
Ross...

[Rex]

High Ross, nice job. You may have pushed the data a little hard, but I am the worst for that, and it is all part of the learning curve to know how far is far enough, so you will get there. There is a free plugin for photoshop called HLVG, which will totally remove that green cast in the background for you. Keep them coming, we can all learn from each other.

[JZ]

Hi Rex, thanks for the comments. Yes I guess I have pushed it a bit. That's a good way to describe it. I'll have another go and try and get a better balance. Thanks for pointing me to HLVG, looks interesting. I'll give it a go.
Cheers, Ross...

[Rex]

Hey Ross, don't get me wrong mate, this is a really good image, the details are quite good. My comment about pushing the data was just that, a comment to help you. The thing that really jumped out at me was the square stars. You can fix that with a star mask during processing. Processing is actually my weak point, so I am probably not qualified to be giving you pointers, but like I said in my last post, I believe in helping each other by offering suggestions. Keep them coming, your doing great.

[JZ]

Hi Rex, I do appreciate your comments. I am very new to processing images. This is only the third one I've done. I don't know about star masks yet so you have given me a new technique to learn to improve my images. What I meant about pushing it too far was the over blown areas. I'm keen to have another go to see if I can reduce the over bright areas and hopefully bring out some more detail, how, I don't know, but that's what learning is all about and I do appreciate your comments about the square stars too. I hadn't noticed the square shape. To me it is the diffraction spikes, which I don't mind. But I am keen to learn the mask technique you suggest so I will chase it up and have a go.
Thanks again for your comments, you have given me new things to learn.
Cheers, Ross...

[rcheshire]

Ross. That is a beautiful image. As you know taking a few shorter subs will increase your dynamic range and reveal more of the core/trapezium. Yes it could do with more data but what u have is very good. Nice scope indeed.

[JZ]

Hi Rowland,
Thanks for your comments. Yes I will have to learn how to combine subs of different exposures and also how to do star masks. Had a quick look on Youtube and found some video tutorials on masks but haven't had time to study them.

Still a lot to learn.

Cheers,
Ross...

[carlstronomy]

Ross, that's a nice image, great start and not bad processing for your 3rd go. With some more data and some shorter subs for the core you will get some great images.

Carl

[JZ]

Hi Carl, Thanks for your comments. I am keen to get some more time on this. As you say more data and some shorter subs for the core area will help. I just need it to stop raining and clear up!!!! :(
At least summer is coming!:)

Cheers,
Ross...