Hydrogen alpha/OIII mosaics of NGC 3372 and IC 2944

[MLParkinson]

Here are two-part mosaics of NGC 3372 and IC 2944 imaged using my Televue NP127is, Astronomik 12-nm H alpha and OIII filters, and a QSI 683wsg camera. The raw data were recorded back in February-March and I finished processing the data today, or at least I think that I have. I might try to record some SII data in February 2017 when these objects are rising in a location favorable for imaging runs again.

NGC3372: https://flic.kr/p/M3jAn5

IC2944: https://flic.kr/p/LVBYBQ

[Atmos]

Lovely detail in them images Murray, very nice indeed :)

[Regulus]

Really like them.
Good detail, and a dramatic palette. I especially like the white hearts in both.
Nicely done.

Trevor

[Placidus]

You've gone remarkably deep there, Murray, especially in the H-alpha. Stuff that's quite hard to get. Well done.

[gregbradley]

Both very sharp and detailed. I like the colour scheme. Only suggestion would be to either shoot some RGB stars or dial back the stars with curves as they are a little too bright and distracting.

Greg.

[Slawomir]

Both images are really great - sharp and good colours. I like your idea of adding SII :thumbsup:

[RickS]

An interesting alternative colour scheme, Murray. Agree with Greg that the stars are a little distracting as they are.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Andy01]

Very funky Murray - look forward to seeing them in full tricolour NB :)

[MLParkinson]

Thank you very much for all of your positive remarks and constructive suggestions.

In regards to the stars, my hypothesis is that I am imaging using 12-nm narrow band filters which results in relatively brighter stars compared to those recorded using 3-nm filters.

Eventually I would like to own a set of premium 3-nm filters. My hunch is that the stars would be smaller and there would also be more contrast in the emission nebulosity.

Recently I have been using the PI Masked Stretch process to help control the size of the stars. However, perhaps I should experiment with applying my own star masks during stretching. Perhaps I can do a better job of containing the stars and the emission nebulosity would stand out better.

Any further constructive suggestions would be appreciated.

[troypiggo]

Nice and sharp, good contrast. Would like to see the SII added for more variation in colours, but that's not to say anything negative about the above.

[Bart]

They certainly look good, need a bit more colour variation though, IMHO.