IC5146 The Cocoon Nebula

[NOMH]

Hey everyone, I had a few clear dry nights and went after the Cocoon Nebula. This is an LRGB image with a blend of Ha in to the red channel. This is my second attempt at blending narrow band data in to LRGB. This image was taken from my house in an orange zone.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

JB

http://jbnightsky.com/2014/08/21/ic-5146-cocoon-nebula/

[RickS]

Hi John,

The Ha blend has worked well. No insipid pinks and you didn't lose the reflection nebula. I'd love to have a go at this object myself one day.

Cheers,
Rick.

[cometcatcher]

That's a nice one. In theory it's high enough here, but directly toward a street light so no go from my backyard. I should have bought that house on the hill.

[Rex]

Beautiful John. :thumbsup:

[NOMH]

Rick, Kevin, Rex thanks for the feedback.

Rick, while checking the web for versions of this image I read about the dreaded pinkish color. I kept this in mind when doing the blend. I'm stoked I didn't get the narrow band stars either.

Kevin, isn't that how it always works?!? I'm finally getting a chance to image at a dark site this Friday and Saturday night. I'm going as low as possible because I can't even get M20 from my house. Dang trees!

JB

[atalas]

Hi John

Although the focus looks a little soft to me the Cocoon looks as sweet as candy ! good work.

[Ross G]

A very nice photo John.

Great colour.

Ross.

[NOMH]

Hi atalas, you are right about the focus. This last month I have completely reworked my imaging routine. I have went to automation and auto focus for each filter+after 1C temp change. What a difference it makes! Seriously thinking about trashing some of my old photos:( Oh well live and learn.

JB

[NOMH]

Thanks, Ross. I have always liked this target and try to do it every year.

JB