NGC 6960 West Veil Nebula

[joshman]

Continuing on my run of trying to image northern targets (https://www.astrobin.com/dq38t4), I tried my hand at the West Veil Nebula, This DSO barely gets to 30degrees above my horizon, and between the trees and houses, I get about 3.5 hours with it. I've managed to get 3 rather decent nights with it, for a total integration time just shy of 11 hours.


See it big on Astrobin (https://www.astrobin.com/4xxsvi/), processing details below.


Stars:
ABE > LinearFit > ImageSolver > ChannelCombination > SPCC > StarX > GHS to stretch Stars


NB:
LinearFit > BlurX > StarX > NoiseX > GHS to Stretch > PixelMath to Combine into HOO > CurvesTransformation


PixelMath to Bring Stars back in, then very mild BlurX to shrink the stars ever so slightly.


Enjoy, and Thanks for looking!

[rmuhlack]

that is very nice indeed. I wouldn't have a hope of imaging that target from my location.

a question on your workflow: what is the benefit of using GHS for the stars, compared with a simple HT (I am a GHS newbie)

[joshman]

Thanks! TBH, the use of GHS was mostly an experiment, but I found it easier to get a nice stretch on the stars, i found it especially useful for the very bright 52 Cyg.

[petershah]

A rather deep rendition of the Witches Broom.....really nice especially considering your latitude :thumbsup:

[Dave882]

Wow beautiful detail for such a northern target. Colour galore and not just the bright stuff you’ve got lots of the fainter wisps in there too well done!!

[gregbradley]

A stunner Josh! It's like a Vela Supernova Remnant on steroids!

It would make a great wall mounted image.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

Yep! what Peter, David and Greg said! :D

Also, the use of BlurEx is not too obvious either...nice job ;)

Mike

[markas]

Intense! Great detail and colour. Amazing for such a low altitude.
Mark

[charmec]

I do like the veil and you done a very nice job of it and its hard for us down south to get this right.

[Andy01]

That's lovely, some delicate detail coming through, and a bolder colour palette than usual - well done on achieving this from your location. :thumbsup:

I attempted it briefly from Nhill a few years ago - was only 9 degrees above the horizon, just cleared the treeline and I had to ask everyone to duck when passing in front of my 'scope! :lol:

[joshman]

Hi all, sorry if this reply ends up being a bit of an old thread dig, I've just come back from several weeks of driving holiday up North.


Thank you very much for the kind responses, I can't work out how to get the multi-quote response thing working on the forum, otherwise I would respond to everyone individually.


I can't wait for the weather to clear up here in Coffs Harbour, so I can get back to imaging.

[gregbradley]

That's an amazing image Josh.

I'd love to image that area but suspect I am too far south to get it.

Greg.

[RobF]

Wonderful composition and processing Josh. "Feels" like a longer FL than the 100mm refractor. Top stuff :thumbsup:

[CharlieM]

That colour is incredible!