M17, a proper colour image this time

[rogerg]

Ok, here's my effort for the night. I still have M16 images to process but expect that to not turn out so good. These large high contrast FOV's really don't suit my gear well, and M16 is about the worst.

http://www.rogergroom.com/rogergroom/esh_rog_item.jsp?Item=649&ParentNodeId=16

The attached image is the same as at my website but compression level 8/10 instead of 10/10 for the website one.

I'm really happy with the level of detail in this! I think there must be away for me to bring out more in those threads of nebulosity but my efforts so far only make it look over processed, so I have left it with only a tiny little bit of unsharp mask.

Total exposure time is comprised of:
Luminance 10x120 sec + 5 x 300 sec
RGB = 2 x 120 sec

Aligned & combined individual channels in CCDSoft then colour combine & unsharp in Photoshop.

:thumbsup:

Roger.

[ballaratdragons]

Roger, I much prefer the colour version to the Monochrome one.

You have managed to get a very nice shade of pink. I like it :)

[jase]

Nice image Roger. It is pleasing to see your ST7 get a bit more of a work out compared to the DSLR. I think you're right, there is more data hidden there. Unless your data is really good, I'd stay away from unsharp masking. Perhaps go with deconvolution on the luminance and/or selective contrast mask to highlight the interesting areas of the image instead. The luminance data is strong compared to what you've collected for RGB. I feel you need to capture more RGB data so it can be stretched further without introducing noise. You should then be able to rid the common salmon pink hues that hinder many LRGB or HaRGB images.

Well done.

I also note, that you are not certain of your focal length (as mentioned on your website). If you plate solve the image, you will know your precise focal length.

[rogerg]

Thanks Jace & Ken,

More RGB would have been useful, you're right. I would say "next time" but I doubt I'll be back at the object for a few years, it's not my usual type of object.

Platesolve - yeap, I use astrometrica to do it usually, used to be 2160mm for the F/6.3 reduer combination, but I just haven't got around to doing it with my new configuration since repairs. I wanted at least one image darn'it :) Probably sometime this week I will get around to doing it, and do a polar alignment which is seriously required :)

[Garyh]

Nice Roger, I think the colors look very pleasing! and everything very well resolved even some of those faint little stars!
Nicce!

[Dr Nick]

Wow! Beautiful image! ;)

[Ric]

Very nice indeed Roger, there is certainly a lot more detail with the colour added.

Cheers

[bluescope]

Hi Roger

I hope you don't mind me adjusting your image a little.

saturation - master +20
selective colour - black +5 ( doesn't look too bad with +5 neutrals as well - personal taste ofcourse )

Anyway I think these slight adjustments bring a little more detail out, maybe you agree.

Nice imaging.

:thumbsup:

[rogerg]

Thanks all :)

Steve - no problem, thanks for the input. I'm not sure which I prefer, I don't have a strong preference either way really... but good to see another's opinion :thumbsup: