Running Man NGC1977

[PRejto]

I tried this beautiful nebula 2 years ago and very much wanted to have a 2nd chance, especially after viewing Adam Block's very high resolution image. While I have not succeeded in getting what he did from a much larger aperture it certainly is hopefully a better effort than my first.

As usual I imaged simultaneously with both TEC refractors. I took a lot of Ha data but didn't end up using too much....mostly just a bit for the dust clouds across the bottom of the frame.

TEC180 G2-8300 Luminance 56 x 240 sec = 3.73 hours (Astronomik CLS)
Ha 34 x 480 sec = 4.5 hours

TEC140 Trius R 53 x 4 min = 3.53 hours
G 43 x 4 min = 2.86 hours
B 45 x 4 min = 3.0 hours

Optec FocusLock Used for all subs.

Processed in CCDStack, Photoshop CS-5, PixInSight

Thanks for looking!

Peter

https://www.astrobin.com/245303/

http://www.pbase.com/image/158634850

[multiweb]

Excellent shot. Love the colors and details. Beautifully done. :thumbsup:

[RickS]

The dual refractor set up certainly delivered a great result, Peter.

[Slawomir]

Really nice image Peter. I particularly like how you captured "smoky" nebulosities in the bottom part of the image. Top stuff!

[rustigsmed]

nice one peter,

I really like the idea of dual scope setups going at the same time to maximise efficiency.

[Atmos]

Very smooth, wonderfully done Peter :)

[aarong]

Wow! Love the colours and how the darker clouds pop out and make it look almost 3D.

[Eden]

Awesome work, Peter. Dual scopes for the win! :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Lovely artistic view that Peter with great colours! I like the way this region shows distinct layers of material, gives a sense of depth.

Your dual scopes don't seem to be dueling anymore :thumbsup:

Mike

[PRejto]

Thanks for all of the kind words, everyone. Much appreciated!

Yes, my dual scope setup is finally working more smoothly these days primarily due to automatic focusing through Optec's FocusLock and twin ONAGs. Slewing away to focus two cameras regularly is fraught with problems especially if any automation is involved. BTW, Optec has just announced "Lacerta" which allows FocusLock to be used without an ONAG. The current version works with a Lodestar. Other cameras are in the works.

Peter

[gregbradley]

Beautiful image Peter. Fantastic rich colours.
Greg

[Ross G]

A great looking closeup photo Peter.

Beautiful colours and detail.

Ross.

[deeplook]

Hello Peter,

very nice - the reflection nebula looks a little bit like the Plejades.

Markus

[PRejto]

Thank you Greg, Ross, and Markus.

I added a slightly different version to Astrobin after a bit of a green/red gradient was noticed. I hope I improved it but have to admit that I find that particular shade of green hard to see for some reason. I know I'm not colour blind....

Peter

[cazza132]

Very nice work Peter!:eyepop::thumbsup:

[Geoff45]

Great capture Peter, especially given the problems of suburbia.
Geoff

[astronobob]

Top Image Peter, how good is that :2thumbs:

[PRejto]

Thank you Troy, Goeff, and Bob.

Imaging with light pollution is always tricky...even with bright subjects, though less so. I'm more anxious than ever to put my nice gear to work at a dark site. The question is how to do it logistically and affordably. At least with the gear close at hand I can learn and try to solve problems!

Peter

[Placidus]

Superb work Peter. We particularly like the fine striations across the running man's body.

[PRejto]

Thanks Bob, Mike and Trish,

I very much appreciate your comments!!

Mike & Trish, re the striations I have to say I was greatly impressed by Adam Block's rather recent APOD of the Running Man. His detail in blue is super. I didn't get there but then I don't have a 30" scope in dark sky either.

http://www.caelumobservatory.com/gallery/n1977.shtml

Peter

[Shiraz]

exceptional image of an oft overlooked target. Really like the overall soft effect, good detail and the convincing colour.

[PRejto]

Thanks a lot, Ray! I'm surprised too that the majority of images of the Running Man are wide field and include the great Orion Nebula. It's certainly worthy of a detailed look.

Peter