NGC 55 now with added Ha

[Stevec35]

Hi to all

Just for the sake of completeness and the fact that there was nothing better to do with the moon being almost full I added 4 hours of Hydrogen Alpha to my NGC 55 image. While the added Ha version certainly makes the HII regions stand out the LRGB has better stars I think. I'm not sure how I managed to mute the stars in the Ha version.

Cheers

Steve

http://members.pcug.org.au/~stevec/ngc55_STL11002_RC14.htm

[Placidus]

Absolutely remarkable, Steve. The HII regions are standing out nicely.

All is very sharp indeed. Just love all the highly detailed and nicely shown little fellows in the extreme distance.

I wonder if the central bar could be a little more golden?

Best,
Mike

[Stevec35]

Thanks Mike. Now that I look at it again I think you are probably right. Perhaps a little tweak is in order.

[Peter Ward]

Maybe just a tad softer on the H-a blend?

Excellent stuff just the same. :thumbsup:

[Stevec35]

Thanks Peter. I tweaked it a bit to the point where the Ha isn't so "in your face". Hopefully it's an improvement.

[gregbradley]

A great galaxy image Steve. Love the colour. You've got some tracking problems though.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

Looks ok Steve, I'm thinking a blend of the two though :question: One of the things I like about this field is the cool little background galaxies, there all small and fine, similar to that found around NGC 7793.

Mike

[Stevec35]

Thanks Mike. I've been trying to blend the two but I'm not 100% happy with the result yet.



Can you enlighten me as to what the tracking problems might be Greg? I've just noticed a very slight star shape problem in the extreme bottom left corner but that's all I can see. One thing I will admit to is flat field problems. I've had dust donut problems still show up after the flat field is applied and I don't know the answer to that yet.

[RickS]

I also think a blend capturing the best of both images is the way to go. Easier said than done, of course!

[Stevec35]

Currently it looks pretty reasonable to me after yet another attempt at blending Rick. But that's for other people to judge I guess. I must admit that , if I have a strong point, blending Ha into galaxies isn't it.

[Nicola]

Beautiful rendition of this galaxy, well done!

[Peter Ward]

....damm... those stars are tight! ..the Ion milled optics are showing their pedigree.

Nicely done on the H-a blend re-pro. Very spiffy :thumbsup:

[Stevec35]

Thanks Peter. Some people might think this scope was expensive but I still reckon it was a bargain.



Thanks Nicola