Large Magellanic Cloud - LRGB_Ha : AAPOD2 18 Nov. 2023

[Ryderscope]

Presenting the LMC in all its glory taken with my ASI6200 full frame CMOS camera and Canon EF200mm lens. Field of view is approximately 10 degrees by 7 degrees. The processing of this image sent me off on a research endeavor with a view to confirming that the signal surrounding the LMC is genuine. I did conclude that the signal surrounding the field is in fact genuine and part of the spiral structure of the galaxy. Full details can be found in the Astrobin post.

Link to Astrobin post here. (https://astrob.in/c82cry/0/)

Clear skies,
Rodney

Edit: Image selected as Amateur Astronomy Picture of the Day, 18 Nov. 2023 (https://www.aapod2.com/blog/large-magellanic-cloud-rgbha)

[AlexN]

That's phenomenal!

I have always loved shots of this area from a 200mm lens. Theres just nothing quite like seeing the whole galaxy.

Fantastic work!

[Startrek]

Rodney,
This has to be one of the best images of the whole LMC I’ve ever seen, absolutely spectacular
Beautifully framed , captured and processed
Well done !!
Martin
PS: I can also use this image for reference when going in deep with my Newts

[gregbradley]

Fabulous image Rodney. Yes the LMC is a spiral galaxy that has morphed from a pass with the MIlky Way which is in the process of absorbing it.
The spiral nature is only really seen in these widefield images.

Nicely processed.

Greg.

[Ryderscope]

Alex, Martin, Greg. Thanks for your comments. It is good to see the LMC in its full expanse to be sure. There are plenty of deep sky targets therein to be had and keep us occupied :)

[Dave882]

That's amazing Rodney! Just love how the grand structure is revealed in this widefield, but the Ha data you've included also shows you how much is going on up close. Wow - just stunning!!

[Ryderscope]

Thanks for the feedback Dave.

[markas]

A brilliant image that 'makes sense' of the LMC:thumbsup::thumbsup:.

Wonderful shot!
Mark

[AlexN]

Finally had a chance to throw this up on my work monitor - the 48" 4k behemoth... Have you noticed the number of feint background galaxies in this frame? I counted easily 10, and I'm sure there's more.

This is one of those images that the more you look, the more you find and the more impressed you become! :)

[strongmanmike]

Excellent Rodney, gotta be happy with that. A lovely, natural looking, crisp image of the LMC, it's a beauty :thumbsup: Yes, I think the comparison largely confirms the structure in your outer capture, well done :) what gradient work did you do on it?

Mike

[Ryderscope]

Thanks Mark and Alex, I agree that there is a lot to be had by spending time cruising around in the background :)

[Ryderscope]

Thanks Mike. I applied a light touch of Dynamic Background Extraction, which is the Pixinsight gradient management tool, early on the processing being very careful to not over do it. This helped with some colour gradient that I had in the RGB master but retained the remaining signal from the outer structures. The PI calibration and integration routines also have a normalisation capability which works to reduce gradients in the integrated masters ready for post processing.

[Retrograde]

Fabulous image Rodney - those faint extents are sublime!

[alan meehan]

Wonderful image well done

[alpal]

What a top picture Rodney,
that Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L USM lens is fantastic -
your camera is excellent too -
but of course you put in a lot of work with 24 hours of integration.
Well done.

cheers
Allan

[Nikolas]

That's a top image mate, I'm currently working on a 6-9 panel mosaic of the area using my askar 300 I'm over halfway there but weather is an issue.

[Ryderscope]

Thanks very much for your kind words everyone.

I can also confirm that this image was selected as the Amateur Astronomy Picture of the Day for Saturday 18 November.
We are most pleased :D
Permanent link here.
(https://www.aapod2.com/blog/large-magellanic-cloud-rgbha)
Clear skies,
Rodney

[Nikolas]

Congrats on that Achievement mate!!!!!!@

[Ryderscope]

Thanks Nik :D