NGC1760 - 3 ways

[andyc]

Well, after 3 clear nights in 4 just before New Moon, I'm almost as happy as Mike, very happy astronomer indeed :), there's not been much of this kind of weather lately around here. With everything working, but a bit of breeze, I managed 6 hours of integration time over those nights (couldn't stay up too late on work nights), but enough data for a decent image and the most on one target I've managed. Here's 3 versions - the 'visual' LRGB, the 'full' Ha-LRGB, and the Ha only.

full size Ha-LRGB (6 hours) (http://www.pbase.com/andycasely/image/165044894/original)
full size LRGB (4 hours) (http://www.pbase.com/andycasely/image/165044892/original)
full size Ha (2 hours) (http://www.pbase.com/andycasely/image/165044893/original)

[strongmanmike]

aaaaaah HUH!....a WIMP! :P




All quite nice Andy but I have to say the Ha version floats my boat the most, sensationally crazy messy detail, almost unique, looks great! :)

MIke

[Atmos]

Really nice Andy!
I've been heading up to Heathcote for the dark skies this week! Been very hot (heating up between 10pm & 12am which has KILLED the seeing but you look like you've not been hit by that; nice and sharp :)

[el_draco]

Very nice image. lots of detail

[RickS]

Very cool, Andy! For some reason this object makes me think of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I like the Ha-LRGB but I reckon you could squeeze a little more colour variation out of it, especially some more blues. That could be the little oversaturation demon on my left shoulder talking, of course :)

Cheers,
Rick.

[Atmos]

I must say, i am looking at this object right now with a pair of 10x50 bonks ans yours looks much better :P

[andyc]

Ha ha, thanks Colin!
Thanks Rick - I think you're right. I've spent a fair bit of time playing with the colour on this one, working with enhancing the nebulosity without altering the stars. But I've not yet got as much variation in the colour as I'd like in the nebulosity. Actually interesting to look at what the colour the Tarantula is 'supposed' to be, I've spent some time trying to get something with a 'natural' feel but it's tricky! Apart from the various (non-NB) versions around that are redder and bluer depending on sensor sensitivity and colour balancing, the OIII complicates things so it seems it maybe shouldn't be as red or pinkish as I'd imagine from the old Malin-era (http://oldweb.aao.gov.au/images/captions/aat048.html) shots (possibly even yellowish (http://asterisk.apod.com/viewtopic.php?t=35686), according to Rob Gendler). 'Natural colour is tricky... To be honest when you're mixing wavelengths the eye isn't very good at seeing, I reckon artistic license can rule :D

Thanks Rom!

It's not too bad, am working on a drizzled luminance which definitely sharpens it up some more, but haven't quite managed to integrate it to the RGB.

Thanks Mike! The Ha is fun to look at :D And yes, I'm a total wimp when it comes to weeknights just now, by midnight or 1am I'm getting sleepy, but I'll cope with that :P I just need more weekends in wild places with the scope :campfire: