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Retrograde
12-05-2022, 11:41 AM
Hi all,

this is only my second narrowband image with the Antila Dual-Band filter so getting the processing & colour-balance right is still quite a challenge.

This object, NGC 3576, is normally referred to as the Statue of Liberty nebula but I think it looks far more like Loki in his horned helmet. :D

I ended up using 38 x 3 min subs through the filter plus 60 x 1 min unfiltered for the stars, all taken with the MN190 & an ASI2600MC Unfortunately the OIII data was still quite thin & noisy without more exposures so it'll have to do for now.

Hope you like it and I'm happy for any comments, critiques or suggestions.

Pete

Larger version at Astrobin (https://www.astrobin.com/full/2yfq9j/0/)

kosborn
12-05-2022, 05:04 PM
Great image, especially for a dual band filter on a colour camera! How does it look after stacking? Is there much colour adjustment needed?

Now that you've shown me Loki, I'll never un-see him. :P

Kevin

gregbradley
12-05-2022, 06:20 PM
I like it. It turned out well and the blues look especially good.

Greg.

Retrograde
13-05-2022, 02:06 PM
Thanks Kevin!

I used the Star Tools PS plug-in "create RGB image" after separating out the colour channels to create a HOO image. It's quite different to the original colour that was captured.

Here is another processing attempt using the original (Ha-dominated) stack and then boosting the OIII signal. I'm still trying different options to see what works best.

Retrograde
13-05-2022, 02:07 PM
Cheers Greg!

It's neither as sharp nor as smooth as I would like but hopefully I'm making progress with this sort of imaging. :)

Startrek
13-05-2022, 03:54 PM
That’s a fine OSC NB image with limited data
Nicely processed too
Well done !!
I have the same camera but use the L Extreme ( 7nm ) which is excellent
Not sure if there’s any benefit upgrading to the Antlia 5nm, however your image proves its performance without any doubt
Cheers
Martin

Nikolas
14-05-2022, 12:04 PM
Have you got a higher resolution image with this filter?

Looks like it keeps the haloes to a minimum.
Great work

Retrograde
14-05-2022, 01:01 PM
Thanks Martin - much appreciated.

There is likely to be little difference between the two filters (unless badly affected by halos or something I guess). There will probably always be something new on the market.

I'm still trying to tune my setup. Although I've improved my guiding I'm still not getting fully round stars at this focal length. I probably need to move to an OAG (& perhaps re-grease my mount). I also have some minor tilt to sort out.




Thanks Nik!

Higher res - this one on astrobin (https://www.astrobin.com/full/ewa6f8/0/?mod=&real=)?

Nikolas
14-05-2022, 02:31 PM
that's the one :) excellent stars and no haloes, lovely