DSLR Trifid and Lagoon Panorama

[rmuhlack]

This image of the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae is a 3 frame panorama, with an integration time for each frame of approximately 6 hours. Optical alignment issues have resulted in some odd star shapes (as per the discussion in this (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=125425) thread) so I have reduced star sizes with Pixinsight's Morphological Transformation process before a 50% resize of the entire merged mosaic.

Tech Details:
Telescope: 130mm f5 newtonian
Mount: HEQ5 w EQMOD
Camera: DIY Peltier modded Canon 450D, with sensor at a nominal regulated 10 C (via cold finger)
Guide scope: Rubinar 500/8 with QHY5L-II
Software: SGPro and Pixinsight 1.8
Sub frames: 8 mins @ ISO1600

HI res here: http://www.astrobin.com/full/117306/B/

Comments/critique welcome :)

[RickS]

Very nice, Richard. You've done really well with the reflection neb. Maybe a little green cast that could benefit from a touch of SCNR?

[rmuhlack]

Thanks Rick. Just tried SCNR on this image and it becomes excessively blue, so instead i've dropped the green channel slightly using curves.

New hi-res: http://www.astrobin.com/full/117306/B/

[RickS]

That looks better, Richard, but I'm surprised you didn't get a result with SCNR. Did you try tweaking the "Amount" parameter?

Cheers,
Rick.

[rmuhlack]

:doh: I must admit i hadn't noticed that SCNR even had an "amount" parameter. I've only ever applied it at the default 100%. oops.... :ashamed:

applying SCNR at 50% achieves much the same result as I have posted here with my alternative green curve adjustment. guess i'll keep that in mind for next time... :whistle: :D

[cometcatcher]

Spectacular image Richard!

[LightningNZ]

Crikey that's a sweet field... Well done dude, you can be very proud of that!
-Cam

[Ross G]

Great looking widefield Richard.

I really like the colours.

Ross.

[Nightskystargaz]

Richard,

Nice image of Trifid & Lagoon :).

CS,KLU,

:thanx:,

Tom

[graham.hobart]

Very nice mate, top stuff!

[Camelopardalis]

Beautiful Richard :thumbsup:

I'm beginning to appreciate why you "pro" guys go for hours and hours of exposure time...it's so rich in colour :D

[Rex]

Awesome image Richard. Really nice saturation and depth, especially the reflection nebula.