The Sculpted one

[Camelopardalis]

Folks,

After much foul weather in my path, I finally managed to get out to a dark site with the ASI1600, so besides a few test shots this was my first test shot in anger.

Of course, the beautiful galaxy in Sculptor, NGC 253 needs no introduction.

I would like to thank those who have helped me get here...you know who you are ;) :thumbsup: hopefully this journey is just getting started! My star colours are a little iffy, maybe I stretched them a little too far :D but as always, feedback/suggestions/tricks on how to improve gratefully received!

Kit: SW Esprit 100 + ZWO ASI1600
Time: 32x 3m L, 8x 3m R/G/B

Cheers,
Dunk

[oernulfs]

Very nice work :thumbsup:

[Camelopardalis]

Thanks Ørnulf!

[RobC]

Great image Dunk. Guess what my next camera will be ?

RobC

[spiezzy]

thats a top image Dunk well done lots of details and framed well
top effort
:eyepop::thumbsup:
cheers Pete

[Camelopardalis]

Thanks Rob! The mono is a bit of a learning curve, but the 1600 is a very versatile unit IMO :thumbsup:



Thanks Pete! I was pretty chuffed given my focal length and so-so conditions :D

[andyc]

Very nice Dunk! New cameras are fun :D

[RickS]

A good result, Dunk. Despite the test shots I reckon it qualifies as a first light :thumbsup:

Here's one processing idea: apply a star mask and use one of the wavelet tools, say MMT, to remove the first few layers with Chrominance as the target. Then use CurvesTransformation to bump the saturation back up if needed. For extra bonus points use ColorSaturation if you want to target specific colours. Done carefully this will blur the star colours to fix coloured rings and colour up the white cores a little.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Atmos]

Looking pretty good Dunk :thumbsup:

[Camelopardalis]

Thanks Andy! New toys are always fun :D



Thanks Rick! I will give it a go and see how it looks :thumbsup:



Thanks Colin! It's a start :)