Quick and dirty NGC 6231

[Stevec35]

After realizing I hadn't imaged this cluster for a long time I thought I would give it a shot now it is in prime position. It's certainly one of the best open clusters in the southern hemisphere.

Cheers

Steve

http://members.pcug.org.au/~stevec/ngc6231_STXL16200_RC14.htm

[atalas]

Nice one Steve.

[Placidus]

Stands out beautifully from the busy environment of fainter, more orange stars.

You've brought out some lovely reflection nebulosity :thumbsup:

[marc4darkskies]

It might be quick, but it isn't dirty! Nice one Steve!

[Stevec35]

Thanks Marcus



Thanks M&T. Actually I'm not sure there is a lot of reflection nebulosity in this one.



Thanks Louie

[multiweb]

Nicely done. Pretty cluster. :thumbsup:

[Peter Ward]

Only goes to show with the right gear and technique you don't need heroic exposure times to still get a great result.

Nice one.

[topheart]

Very pretty!
Cheers,
Tim

[Stevec35]

Thanks Tim



Thanks Peter. Would be even nicer to have an Alluna though.



Thanks Marc

[strongmanmike]

It really is a lovely cluster huh? rivals The Jewel Box really...

Only minor suggestion, the stars are appearing as bright dots within circles, perhaps from the sharpening?..or star shrink?, fix this and it will be perfect :thumbsup:

Mike

[Stevec35]

Thanks Mike. I'll have another look at the stars. Didn't spend a lot of time processing this one so I should be able to do better.

[RickS]

That's nice, Steve! I can see Mike's point. I'd also be inclined to bring out the blues a little more of it were my image... which it isn't :)

[Stevec35]

Thanks Rick. Haven't had a chance to play with it yet.

[Stevec35]

Mindful of the comments from Mike and Rick I've now reprocessed this and I think it looks better. Certainly has more "pop".

Cheers

Steve

http://members.pcug.org.au/~stevec/ngc6231_STXL16200_RC14.htm

[strongmanmike]

Yes that looks a bit better...fussy buggers some of us huh? :P

Mike

[RickS]

A nice improvement, Steve.

Since I'm apparently a fussy bugger, I'd also crop the half a star at the bottom of the image :lol:

Cheers,
Rick.

[strongmanmike]

Hey yeeeah...absolutely agree Rick...Steve, that's just atrocious! :eyepop:

[Stevec35]

Thanks guys. Mea culpa - I was going to crop the star at the bottom but just forgot - sorry.