NGC 2032 - The Wacky Racers...

[Andy01]

Often overshadowed by their popular neighbour, the Tarantula Nebula, these crazy bizarre shaped little nebulae in the LMC are both charming and fascinating to view.

They kinda remind me of some of the more outlandish cartoon characters from The Wacky Racers - flying, crawling and rolling along merrily in space.

Five nights data collection total of 30 hrs integration (a new record for me, with the mozzie bites to prove it!)

11Hrs Ha
11 Hrs S2
8 Hrs O3 - all in 20 min subs.

Taken from my light polluted backyard in Melbourne, Australia.

High Res here - http://www.astrobin.com/full/221239/0/

Comments, feedback etc. welcome :)

[Placidus]

Quite a marvellous school of tropical fish caught on very fine line in rough seas.

Is this adding extra data to your shot from last year? If so, well done.

I tend to think of the right hand side as including two coffee cups on saucers seen from above, one blue, one orange, and holding black coffee and stars. Next to that is a big mass of brain coral.

[gregbradley]

Ah, one of my favourite nebula areas. I love the jellyfish type nebula in the centre. In Sky X this central area I believe is referred to as the seagull nebula.

You've done a great job there.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

Not too bad Andy, the colour works quite well and I recon this is probably the best processing I have seen from you.

I have seen this area referred to as the Wacky Races before, quite apt :thumbsup:

Mike

[Andy01]

He he, thanks Mike - it's a fascinating region and lends itself to all kinds of interpretation.

I first attempted this in Dec last year, not long after getting my QSI. But my framing was a little too tight then and the integration time was only 12 hrs.
(see original version below), This time I've left out the crazy frogmouth guy to give the others more swimming room. A better balanced composition hopefully.



Yes that's correct Greg, it is a cool region alright. Lots to see, thanks for the thumbs up!



Thanks Mike - Think I called it that last time as well! You mentioned Sgt. Blast being there (in spirit anyway). I really appreciate your taking the time to comment and the encouragement on the processing front - see Obi-Wan I've been listening! :D

[Regulus]

It's certainly a very crowded area. Excellent result to my eyes, although I liked the earlier one too, as a photograph, rather than as a 'document' of the details.
Well done

Trev

[Paul Haese]

It's a crazy area Andy. I did 41 hours on this area last year. The two bottom ones are my favourites. Your processing looks good, though I am not a fan of the green, but that is dealer choice. :)

[Ryderscope]

Fabulous image Andy.
R

[Slawomir]

Very nice photo Andy :thumbsup:

Now I think I may have a go at this area instead of redoing the Tarantula, once I get my gear sorted...thank you for inspiring me!

EDIT: Browsing the full resolution photo was like entering the never-never land...

[Andy01]

Thanks Trev, lots to see up in the LMC, not a bad region for targets!



Thanks Paul, yes those two are very cool little guys - as to colour, well it's not exactly Palmolive green but it's all subjective as you say, cheers :)



Thanks very much Ryderscope :thumbsup:



Thanks Slaw, hope to see something from you on this area soon! Maybe you can find Peter Pan up there in Neverland for us! :D

[Bassnut]

The colour balance is clever, makes it really pop, a pleasure to view Andy.

[SkyViking]

Very cool, those LMC nebulae are really interesting and unique. Good processing too and nice colours :thumbsup:

[Andy01]

Thanks Fred, appreciate the positive feedback from the king of NB :)
I had fun with the colours, it's certainly easier when there's a bit more data to play with! Cheers.



Thanks very much Rolf, those little nebs sure lend themselves to a bit more funky colour!