NGC 2070 Tarantula Nebula ( additional data ) and Startools workflow

[Startrek]

Captured some additional data on the Tarantula ( total of 4.6 hrs now ) early last week to complete this mini project. I only get a window of around 1.5 hrs a night on the Tarantula due to my roof and council tree.
Pretty happy with the final result under Bortle 7/8 skies and also the fact that I’m aiming directly over a roof top 6m away with some thermal convection early in the evening.

Same rig as usual
6” f6 GSO Bintel Newt
Skywatcher EQ6-R pro mount
ZWO 2600MC cooled to -10C , Gain 100
TS Optics GPU coma corrector
Antlia ALPT 2” Dualband OSC NB filter
Total 140 x 2 min dithered guided subs
40 x 3 Flats ( 3 nights )
60 x Bias
Stacked in DSS ( Multiple Nights method using reference frame)
Processed in Startools V1.8 via Compose OSC Bi Colour Narrowband

Attached my basic workflow using Startools for folk who use it ( it may offer some ideas and help , who knows)
I know most folk use PI , APP , PS and the like on this forum but it’s there if you ever want to give ST a trial ?

Comments welcome
Thanks

[floyd_2]

Great work Martin. Dealing with Bortle 7 / 8 skies is certainly a decent handicap too, making your results that much better. Perhaps I shouldn't be so disappointed with my B6 skies lol.

I just finished reading through your Startools workflow. Thanks for compiling that mate. I struggle with understanding Startools to the point that I can use it for decent results - and having a completely documented workflow and the resulting image helps a lot. Great effort!

[AdamJL]

I think that's one of your best non-galaxy outputs yet. Really good work there, Martin!

[Nikolas]

Nice detail in the nebula but maybe tone down the dark as it appears clipped. It's coming together nicely

[pmrid]

Martin, that ST workflow is very much appreciated. Can’t wait to take it for a spin!

[Startrek]

Thanks Dean,
Yeh heavy light polluted skies are a challenge when it comes to pulling out fine detail. This image did have a fair amount of gradient but ST did its job well.
The ST workflow is only a “guide” as different datasets from different rigs require individual treatment
Glad to provide some help
Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Thanks Adam,
This one was a pain to image due to the short duration restricted view , but happy I captured the Tarantula, it’s been over 2 years I think at least from Sydney
Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Thanks Nik,
Advice welcomed
Startools won’t allow you to clip your data though
Have a read if you have the time

https://www.startools.org/modules

Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Thanks Peter

Glad to help with documenting an ST workflow
Just remember it’s only a “guide”
Data sets and rigs vary so much with SNR , image scale and so on ……

Cheers
Martin

[Nikolas]

Startools may not "clip" the data but because it says so doesn't mean it isn't

Not a fan of startools I find the interface very slow and clunky but if you get great results as you are currently go with it.

I'd still work on the blacks as there is way more data in there and it will really make your image shine!
Have a look at the respective histograms in the 2 images, first is the original second is a slightly tweaked levels adjustment where the histogram has been moved to allow a gradual fade to black, there is a lot more detail there. You just need to eke it out the image itself is superb

[Dave882]

Great work Martin! I think despite your LP woes you’re cranking out some real quality shots.

[Startrek]

Thanks Nik,
I still prefer the original
Everyone’s visual perception is different I suppose (mainly due to your eye health ) I have a stack of issues with my eyes Myopia , Astigmatism, PVD , early Glaucoma etc… at only 63.
Thanks for taking the time to work on the image
Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Thanks Dave

[Nikolas]

No worries mate
Covid lockdowns means I now have to always wear glasses when looking at the damned screen.
all the best with the eye health mate :)

[TrevorW]

Like this one of the more natural looking images of the spider I've seen lately :)

[pmrid]

I had an hour of recent OSC data on the Tarantula that I had processed with ST using just default values producing very indifferent results. Having read Martin's workflow, I decided to run the same data through it. I haven't posted images here for some time because, frankly, my processing skills suck and I am very aware of it. Plus I hadn't delved into ST sufficiently to appreciate what it can do. I was a bit surprised by the result.

This was taken with a SharpStar 94EDPH with their proprietary 80% Reduced/Flattener via an Optolong L-Enhance filter and an ASI533MCPro on a beaten-up old HEQ5Pro (belt-mod) - since replaced by an AM5 that is yet to see the night sky.

[Startrek]

Peter,
Nice result for only an hour , even looking from my phone
Don’t be hesitant to push the throttle a bit in various modules, you can always cancel them and start again
I like how you haven’t over saturated the colour too
Again my workflow is “only a guide” due to sky conditions , image scale and so on … , but at least it’s a rough roadmap that hopefully can steer you in the right direction
Well done !!

Cheers
Martin

[Stephane]

Martin, a very nice result with good dynamic range and colours. You've dealt well with the light pollution is even some of the fainter parts are showing. Well done. I look forward to trying this target with my Newtonian when I get it back.

[Startrek]

Thanks Stephane
Much appreciated
Gives me hope for the future when my Bortle 7/8 eventually becomes Bortle 9 in 10 years
At least I’m very fortunate to have my Dome and dark site down south

Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Thanks Trevor
Keeping a lid on saturation is one important thing I’ve learnt from IIS folk
Startools does try to keep your colours as an accurate representation of emissions using various visual spectrum and narrowband mapping and rendering

https://www.startools.org/modules/color

Cheers
Martin