The Small Magellanic Cloud

[jase]

Hi All,
A galaxy, numerous clusters, and copious amounts of HII nebulosity has been my latest challenge, so without further ado, I’m pleased to present - NGC 292, The Small Magellanic Cloud (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=126&fld_album_id=12). A word of warning, the higher resolution images are large is will take sometime to load.

Located in the constellation Tuscana, the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC/NGC292) is an irregular galaxy that is a member of the local group of galaxies. The term “irregular galaxy” refers to the fact that no apparent shape can been seen. It does not feature spiral or elliptical characteristics found in typical galaxy structures. The SMC contains numerous objects which have been catalogued that range from clusters through to rich redish-pink HII nebulae and is approximately 230,000 light years away.

To the upper right, the grand globular cluster 47 Tucanae (47Tuc/NGC104) shines bright, second only to the magnificent globular cluster Omega Centauri. 47 Tuc is among the closest clusters to us located approximately 20,000 light years away. To the upper left, is the smaller cluster NGC362 at a distance of approximately 40,000 light years.

A few words on the image (skip if you're not interested in details);

The image is a LRGB two frame mosaic with a total exposure time of 11.5 hours (L:120min;R75min;G:75min;B:75min per frame). The FOV of the FSQED/STL11k combination is actually large enough to compose the SMC in a single frame, however I wasn’t happy with the aesthetics – FOV too compact. I opted for a basic mosaic approach so I could also include surrounding areas of interest.

The mosaic composition was planned in TheSky with a 10% image overlap ensuring good alignment (and room for error) – TheSky planned can be viewed in the attachment section below. I don’t have a robotic instrument rotator for the FSQED (yet) so I used the Tak CAA manually to rotate the STL11k for initial framing to match the plan (@ 74 degrees position angle).

TheSky mosaic plan was then converted into an ACP imaging plan for automated image acquisition. I had “user error” problems with the telescope pointing model which lead to a slight frame misalignment. Frustrated, I shot the entire frame again after rectifying the problem. Luminance subs were 15min which was ideal to bring out the faint nebulosity around the cloud, however totally burnt out the surrounding star clusters. I wasn’t overly concerned about this as the main feature is the SMC itself. I took some additional 5min chrominance subs and layered them to reduce core burn though it is still present.

The vast dynamic range of the frames required quite some layering work. I paid the ultimate price in acquisition as the two frames ideally should have been taken reasonably closely together, however this was not the case – they were taken over a month a part (at significantly different moon phases). This resulted in considerable frame differences with gradients and colour shifts present. I found these rather complex to deal with especially with my “rusty” mosaic processing skills. Thoroughly enjoyed the HII redish/pink knots of nebulosity scattered around the galaxy – rather special.
The uploaded web image is reduced resolution and quality – the original is ~4800x3750 (18mp). Despite the pointing errors and other problems noted, I enjoyed the challenge that this mosaic presented so this will certainly not be my last.

Thanks for looking and hope you enjoy it.:)
Seasons greetings all!:xmas::cheers:
Cheers

[browndog]

Another excellent image Jase.:eyepop:

Wow - 11.5 hours for total exposures, and then finally process this mosaic image. That is real commitment, but it has produced a really beautiful image.

I personally really enjoy your work and look forward to each new image you post. Congratulations on another wonderful piece of art..! :thumbsup:

[Comet Hunter]

Hey Jase,

I find images that cram too many stars/objects into the frame look very 'busy' and detract from the overall presentation. Spreading it out over the 2 fields has captured it nicely.

[jase]

Thanks Ian for the kind words. I don't know, the more I look at it, the more defects I see.:shrug: I've just uploaded another version which removed some artefacts and increased green hue to remove the overall magenta tint. I think I've looked at this image for way too long. Need to reassess with fresh eyes. Thanks again:thumbsup:



Hi Andrew. Indeed, the mosaic makes for a more pleasurable view. I have a few other mosaic targets on my list, but may not be so ambitious with an LRGB again. May just settle for an RGB or RRGB composition. Thanks for checking it out.:)

[theodog]

Hi Jase,
While I could't open any of the images, I do know of the issues of mosaic images. Not at all as simple as single shot colour. Processing repeated for every frame, then the balancing act to merge the images together. I too like the challange and intend to do more in the future. Given the comments, I look forward to finally catching your efforts.
Cheers

[Peter Ward]

Jason,

An excellent image in every respect. Hope you send it in to AS&T.

Cheers
Peter

[Lee]

Awesome, as usual Jase..... hats off!
:thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Jase, that is truly an amazing image :)

I didn't know there were so many Nebulous blobs in the SMC! It looks more like the Neb Blobs in the LMC!!

The detail and amount of objects in your image is a credit to your dedication to get that 'great' shot.

[ballaratdragons]

Jase,

I found 3 really nice dark red stars in your image (Pic 1) and when I zoomed waaayyyy in I was pleasantly suprised to find 2 Blood Red stars (Pic 2).

Nicely done :thumbsup:

[Lester]

Extraordinary Jase.

a real credit to your dedication.

[jase]

OK. The nebula clipping mask was cramping my style. I've taken a more natural look. HII is pink, but not that pink sheeezzz.
=====



Hi Jeff, I hope you can open them. I'd be kidding if I said mosaics are easy. Just two frames pushed me to the brink of insanity. I seriously don't know how the mosaic master Rob Gendler does it. I don't know if you had a chance to see his Cygnus region (http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/Cygnusmosaic.html), but he put together 20 FSQ frames! Major piece of work is an understatement. My only advice is to keep at it. Look beyond what the average person is doing. Try composing the object differently to keep challenging yourself. Thanks again for your comments.



Cheers Peter. Pleased you liked it. A&ST publication? Not sure...


Thanks Lee.:thumbsup:



Cheers Ken. Don't get too excited about those blood red stars. They are probably hot pixels I haven't chased when imaging through the red filter.:lol: Appreciate the kind words mate.



Thanks Lester.:)

[Ric]

Hi Jase, thanks for sharing that image with us. I found it very enjoyable to explore, there was so much in it to see.

A wonderful effort.

[iceman]

Lovely image Jase, an extraordinary amount of detail.


I still see quite a magenta cast, especially around the globs. I tried refreshing to make it load a new version, but it didn't change :shrug:

Still a very beautiful image of our neighbouring galaxy, and definitely something special to print and frame.

[Tamtarn]

Beautiful image Jase. The planning and time and effort you put in on this one certainly paid off.

[jase]

Thanks Ric. Its a fascinating area of the sky. Something special about irregular galaxies and how we interpret them. Thanks for checking it out.:)



Cheers Mike. Yes, there is still a slight magenta tint which is more pronounced around the globulars. It does not appear strong on my calibrated monitor so I'll need to check it out on another monitor to validate this. I need more data to really work these two clusters. 15min and 5 min subs are too long. Actually with the reasonable sensitivity of the STL11k operating at F/5, the Tuc47 core burnt out in 2 minutes.



Thanks Barb and David. Appreciate your comments.:)

========
I took a total of 72 subs, but didn't use all of them. There was some interesting items in some of them such as this raw 10min blue filtered sub (attached). Quite a few cosmic ray hits, but these are the norm. No discoveries, but I encourage those doing any imaging work to thoroughly check your subs. I do this anyway to determine the quality of each frame and whether I'll include it in the combine function.

Anyway, I haven't stopped learning yet. So I guess I'll keep at it.;)

[JohnG]

Hi Jase

Another top shot. On the larger resolution, the 2 small Globs near Tuc 47 are starting to show individual stars, great work. :thumbsup:

Cheers

[theodog]

Finally got to view the images, different computer.
Very spectacular
Well done.
Cheers

[Garyh]

More beautiful work Jase!
The Tak and the 11k make such a awesome imaging setup for these kind of subjects! :thumbsup:
You have brought out the emission nebs/colors really well...don`t now how you did it but really adds to the whole effect.
Well done....now we have to wait for the LMC one :)
cheers Gary

[jase]

Thanks for your comments John. Much appreciated!:)



Thanks Jeff. Pleased you found a computer that worked.;)



Cheers Gary. I used a clipping mask to bring out the nebs. On the original image posted, the mask was way too strong. This version gives a more natural appearance. The only other thing that helped bring out the subtle details is exposure time. 11.5 hours provided rich data, so it could really be stretched hard exhibiting minimal noise. I think this paid off in the long run. An LMC mosaic... Its on the list, but don't believe it will be one of the summer targets for this year. I have however already planned the LMC mosaic - I can do it with approximately six FSQ/STL11 frames.

====

Thank you all for your kind words and appreciating the effort I put into this image.:)

[Bassnut]

Excellent Jase, sharp as, but FAR to many pin point stars, punk,:ashamed:

[jase]

:lol: Awww common Fred, you spoil all the fun.;) I'd be doing something seriously wrong if I couldn't achieve pin point stars with a 3.5 arcsec/pixel combination. Thanks for checking it out.:thumbsup:

[theodog]

Good idea Jase. Apart from checking for quality I always(nearly) blink first and last subs, especially if they are taken over a long period just to see if anything has moved. Nothing new yet but you never know:).
Cheers

[EzyStyles]

beautiful smc jase. you even managed to capture the small nebs around the outer area. colours are superb also.

[rogerg]

Jase,

I haven't replied to your post because there's not much point - what'm I going to say - "great shot!" well that's blatantly obvious ain't it :) but hey, for the sake of you knowing I looked at it and panned around the stars to see what interesting detail and clumps of rarely seen nebulosity there is, and enjoyed it ... great shot! :)

[RB]

There's a couple of stars missing in the SMC but apart from that, not a bad effort really.
Keep at it son, you'll get there......... :lol:



:eyepop:
Of course, this is a superb image mate, well done indeed and thanks for sharing with us.

:thumbsup:

[jase]

Totally concur Jeff. Just never know what will come up in the field of view. It makes it a little easier if your camera pushes the images out in FITS format as the FIT header contains telescope pointing information, time etc. So you can simply send the info onto Cambridge post initial validation. It still takes a keen eye to verify the frames.



Cheers Eric. The long exposures certainly attributed to bring out the fainter wisps of nebulosity. Thanks for checking it out.:thumbsup:



Thanks Roger. Pleased you liked it and made comment. It provides encouragement to keep going. Thanks again!:)



Thanks Andrew. Darn, you spotted those missing stars I cloned out:P ;) Will do better next time. Cheers:thumbsup: