NGC7293 - The Helix Nebula

[jase]

In the wise words of Fred - narrow field rules dude!:D

Hi All,
It’s been a while between posts, slowly working my way back into imaging after a break. So, I’m pleased to present a collaborative effort between Alvin Jeng from Lightbuckets (http://www.lightbuckets.com) and I of the infamous planetary, NGC7293 – The Helix Nebula in mapped colour (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=159&fld_album_id=11)

About the target;
The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) resides in the constellation Aquarius and is dubbed the "Eye of God". It is one of the closest of all planetary nebula at a distance of approximately 450 light years and is about half the size of a full moon. Despite its size, the light is spread over a large area making it a difficult object for visual observation. The nebula displays different ionisation levels of ejected matter from the dying central star. The inner blue hue indicates the presence of excited oxygen atoms, while the vibrant outer structure consists of hydrogen and nitrogen atoms.

About the image;
The image is a SII:Ha:OIII palette mapped as RGB respectively. Alvin performed the data acquisition on Lightbucket’s monster 24” F/8 RC (4876mm FL). Not a huge amount of data for this target, but not really needed as it was acquired 2x2 bin on the sensitive Apogee U42 camera - SII: 90min, Ha: 60min, OIII: 60min (total 3.5hrs) – all 15min subs – overall good quality data. The binned U42 is only 1024x1024 pixels, so the image presented is actually upscaled by ~60% to show some pleasing details. If the Ha data was 1x1, I think the resolution would be remarkable, though I highly doubt seeing would get down to .57 arcsecs! The upscaling perhaps lost some resolution in the process. The SII data gave me the most grief during the processing, despite the quantity of data, it couldn’t be stretched hard. I will disappoint the NB purist by stating that I blended in some Ha data in to the SII to compensate. The blend however was low – 20%. This settled the somewhat noisy SII data when stretch hard. I constructed two data sets, the first was the SII:Ha:OIII image which was weighted to taste using MaximDL colour combine. I noted the weights and used pixel math to drop equalize the backgrounds between combined subs, and then raise them again based on the noted weights. Seems to deliver a reasonable result as opposed to using clipping masks – change is as good as a holiday right... I was expecting a greater transition of green Ha hue between the SII and OIII, but it simply is not as distinct as I would expect. The other data set being the Ha was ran through deconvolution and used as a luminance to bring some depth and resolution to the field. 2x2 bin still delivers 1.14 arcsec/pixel on the 24” RC so good sampling is present. All layers brought into PS where further colour balance tweaks and enhancement layers such as highlights and noise reduction were invoked. Needed to ensure those cometary globs were in full effect. Experimental, I desaturated the star colour as they typically turn a warm pink hue as the narrowband palettes mix. I think this provides a more aesthetic feel for this target. Talking stars, the diffraction spikes disappeared when I added the Ha data. Not sure what happened there. Perhaps I didn’t stretch the data hard enough. Interestingly, they weren’t very pronounced in the raw data to start with. I even thought I’d remove the stars all together, but thought that would look a little ridiculous considering the planetary nebula’s structure and surely such an activity wouldn’t secure an APOD would it…;) Presented image is actually a crop of the upscaled frame to work in with website metrics. The full field also captures part of the notorious arm though it is faint with SII data.

Anyway, enough rambling, hope you enjoy it. All comments welcome.:)

PS. Anyone heading to AIC 2008 (http://www.aicccd.com) this year? I’m there! Need to glean more processing info.

[strongmanmike]

Awesome image of the Helix Jase! Colur balance is lovely (very HST'ish) and the globules are very clearly defined.

Not a critisim but it still looks a tad like it could be even sharper to me but that 24" on the RCOS research mount looks to be a purler .

How much did this image cost you all up to gather?

Be nice to see the uncropped version though as this framing looks just a but trunkated, like looking through a half opened window just begging to be openned right up :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Nice web site that, very dramatic and the list of presenters is impressive. Love to attend :(. Hope you have heaps of fun Jase but how long will your image processing posts on IIS be then?? :scared: :doh:

Just joshing :lol:

Mike

[jase]

Thanks Mike. Yes, as I explained in the info, the data is upscaled. The full frame is only 1024x1024 pixels (Apogee U42 2x2 bin), hence lacks a little resolution. Though the data was good enough to scale and hold reasonable resolution. A 1x1 would be a real kicker. Indeed the 24" is great bit of gear, but more importantly is the location where its installed can support it - dark skies, excellent seeing, thus you can get some lovely resolution from the instrument. I think you've asked me about costs before relating remote imaging. Its difficult to put a figure on it - this image was a specific collaboration activity between Alvin and I. The Lightbuckets "easy imaging" facility gives some excellent value for money...even if you simply acquire some high resolution luminance to match it to some low res RGB you've previously taken. At 4876mm, the Helix fills the frame of the U42 so not much can be done on the window effect. I've attached a reduced size full frame for reference. Thanks again for your comments.

[jase]

:lol: Ah, I've still got my bag of tricks I keep to myself. I feel certain I'll learn something new! The Friday workshops will be interesting. Hell of a lot of processing info. Presentations start on Saturday. Should be good fun.:)

[strongmanmike]

Yes the full frame image is better, a slightly larger FOV would be a bit better even.

So what was the actual cost outlay to "you" to gather the data for this image? Is that ok to ask..?

I realise you can do narrow band in full moon conditions so I imagine this would alter the cost but I am just interested in what it costs in the scheme of things.

Mike

[jase]

Agree, a slightly larger FOV would see an improvement aesthetically, under the proviso that image scale remained the same. When processing this image, my goal was to bring out as cometary knots and as such wasn't overly concerned about the FOV. I think it would look awesome at an even longer focal length. If nebulosity filled the entire frame, I'd remove the stars to make it more of a feature. There wasn't a cost associated with this image as it was a collaborative effort. In any case, I would be reluctant to tell you figures anyway, best to give it try for yourself to see the value and whether its something your interested in pursuing. You do however need to get things into perspective... we are talking about a serious deep space imaging rig here - certainly not for wimps! The Apogee U42 camera costs US$38k alone. The commercials are relative and from my perspective quite realistic. You gain access to premium instruments (24" RC, 20" RC and 14.5" RC, large format cameras) and wait...dark skies. Clearly, the equates to imaging nirvana, but its not for everyone. I still enjoy using my own humble rig, but as the saying goes - variety is the spice of life...and that is what remote imaging delivers.

[avandonk]

Jase you are still an evil evil man seducing us poor imagers into a never ending chase for imaging perfection.

The detail is stunning but I think I need more practice with my humble setup before I launch into imaging nirvana.

Anyway it is not the destination that is important but the journey!

Thanks for all the fish!

Bert

[danielsun]

Wow Jase!!
Another ripper!!!:eyepop:

Cheers Daniel.

[Dennis]

What a superbly detailed image - the 1600x1200 size is stunning! It’s nice to see all the wonderful detail in this object after my abject failure at the Qld Astrofest to record anything more than a dim haze of nebulosity.

I was probably as excited as the (blue inner) oxygen atoms when I first saw the larger image - top stuff Jase!

Cheers

Dennis

[strongmanmike]

You (and the professional gear) certainly revealed the knots in this shot, excellent! I know this has been discussed a bit before but since it is a great example, out of interest, do you think this image would really belong in an "amateur" imaging contest (should you enter it) given that the raw materials were ordered and done remotely at a commercial observatory with equipment similar or in fact better than that available at Siding Spring Observatory? Just a thought.

Good that you didn't have to pay this time but why would you be reluctant to reveal the cost in other cases? Is it a secret that you can't share? Would be enlightening for some of us I think?

Yes I recon an even tighter framing would be cool too and yes even without the stars, you should try with this image even.

Mike

[jase]

Thanks Bert! This image is certainly far from perfection (if such a thing exists). I don't like comparing side by side images, but when you compare the hubble image (http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap030510.html), the resolution is pretty darn good for a ground based telescope. I maybe able to extract more from the Ha luminance through iterative deconvolution blends, but I'm not sure if its worth it considering the scale. I fully concur, the journey is important as a strong foundation puts one in good stead to reaching nirvana.;) Thanks again.



Thanks Dan. Pleased you liked it.:)



Thank you kindly Dennis. The upscaled data seems to hold the resolution well. I'm not going to deny its a tough target. Certainly need long exposures to bring out the details. The U42 camera is NABG, but still required 15min subs through narrowband filters. Alvin did a good job on the acquisition. I think I would have only gone 10min subs and suffered with serious noise when stretching. Thanks again for your comments.:)



:lol: I'm not going to fall into that debate (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=33655) again Mike. As it stands, clearly the competition rules don't work and I think you know where I stand...either CWAS/DM awards allow it or not. IMHO, it would be very foolish if they are not visionary in their regulations and embrace this form of imaging. That said, I'm fine for it to be placed in another category to keep you (and others) happy. 24" RC better than Siding Spring's 2.3m scope...who are you kidding?

hahaha I have nothing to hide. Its my business how much I spend on remote imaging and I choose not to disclose such information - simple.:) Why don't you create an account on the LightBuckets site. Joining is free. You'll find all the information you need, pricing, scope configurations, availability, remote weather reports etc. If you want more information, post your questions on the forum there. The guys are friendly and approachable. Speak with Fred to see if he'll get you some time on GRAS if you're keen. The number of remote imaging players is growing... there is choice. You're a member of MRO aren't you? They've got a 12.5" RC a few guys in the US are using...

[avandonk]

Iterative convolution blends sounds like a good new brand for makeup. Highlight your beauty points and cover up the blemishes all in real time! Fantastic stuff!

Sorry I got a bit carried away.

Bert

[strongmanmike]

Siding Spring has a 16" and 24" and 40" and I think the 24" at LB might well be a fair bit more sophisticated than these even..? Where does one draw the line as to what is pro and what isn't? Do you seriously consider that 24" at LB not a proffessinal grade research instrument? Christ the scope & housing must be worth the best part of $1/2 Million! Who are "you" kidding.

I love your Helix it is truly a nice piece of work but it was done on a 100% pro outfit at a pro observatory, it is no different to the images Rob Gendler has been doing from time to time with data from 1m class scopes in Chile etc, they are great to look at but noone seriously considers them "amateur" :shrug:

Keep posting them they are great but as fas I am concerned they are not amateur images but rather quirky "out there" semi professional productions.

Mike

[Gama]

Carefull how you make your bed Mike, you may need to sleep in it too. Because then the same could also be said about the CCD cameras themselves. As most imagers cant afford a $15,000 + CCD camera outfit (CCD Camera, Filterwheel, Filters etc) so again the same pitfalls reveal themselves here again, as many dont have the ability to own and use a "Professional" Camera outfits.

You may be right though and conditions may need to be set in place in the future.

Im on the fence with this one, as i see both sides has a valid argument.
Jase's in my view represents processing and art, and yours Mike is that of quality of data made available, to produce the final processed image.

Well, good luck to all.

Theo

[avandonk]

Yes Mike it is the age old problem. I personally do not care what other people use. I don't enter competitions for this reason.

When the powers that be have a category where every thing was fashioned by the competitor from the basic elements earth, air, fire and water we can all rest safe that there is no advantage. But we will all have lousy images.

The reality is far more difficult. We all depend on others for our equipment.

My personal opinion is that when comparing images there are a few major considerations.

Technical quality.
Artistic Presentation.
Does the image show what the object is without any distortion from a semblance of reality.

bert

[strongmanmike]

This forum is supposed to be for amateurs, isn't it? So the use of data purchased from a 24" robotic $1/2 Million professional observatory to construct an image from is pushing the "amateur" thing too far in my opinion. It can't be compared to anything else on this forum. As I said Jase's image is nothing short of excellent and its quality matches the equipment that was used to make it, Jase was however provided with the collected data without doing a thing, a paid proffessional outfit of operators did it all for him. Sure Jase used excellent processing skills to assemble the provided and high quality data but why then can't I commision the UK Schmidt or ANU 2.3m scope at Siding Spring (should I miraculaously be allowed to) to take some data for me and compose an image out of that, would this still be an amateur image? There is no difference to me.

To me the line is not blury at all, commissioned data is exactly that ie it is NOT amateur data because it was ordered and paid for using proffessional grade research equipment located at a comercially operated observatory, simple.

Again, this Helix is an excellent image showing superior processing skill but it was done using proffessionally supplied data from a froffessioinal telescope, negating what I believe to be truly amateur, simple.

Mike

[strongmanmike]

You all must keep in mind as I write these posts I am smiling and not angry or upset even, I am just talking out loud for a bit of fun about relevant issues. The written word can be missunderstood pretty easily :thumbsup:

Jase your Helix image is wonderful!

Mike

[Bassnut]

Very nice Jase, a pleasure to view a top quality narrow field Helix. The zoomy bits in the middle came out very well and detailed, a treat. Yes, I found SII (and OIII) hard to stretch on this, as Peter says the surface brightness is very low.

Dont listen to Mike, who gives a stuff how a member collects the data to for an image to show here (its not a competition), the more variety the better, I certainly enjoy something different, especially when its of this quality. To see results of IIS member processing skills off different equipments is half the fun.

[Phil]

Hi Jase
Bloody hell look like its taken with the Hubble well done mate.

[Ric]

Blimey Jase, what a stunner. that is one impressive image. The detail that you've captured in those globules is wonderful.

I was going to post my attempt of the Helix in narrowband with the DSI II, I think I might leave it for a while now :whistle: :lol:

[g__day]

Very, very impressive!

[Gama]

Actually if you read the earlier posts, you find that it is.
To win an award, you need to compete, and this is what is being discussed.

The rules need to be clearly set for competing, as Mike said earlier, there is an disadvantage when data used is of high quality and there was no effort in producing it.

Plus i think you hit the nail on the coffin Mike, Amatuer means just that, no payments of any kind.
Bit like getting some one to make up all the parts of a mount professionally and you just assemble it and then enter it in an Amatuer building contest.
Like Mike said, there has been no effort put towards the build, yet again, i just cant seem to make a call here, as Jase did process the data.

Theo.

[jase]

Thanks for your comments Bert, Theo and Mike… Though Mike... I think you need to expand your mind a little. Indeed these forums are for amateurs (don’t tell me you’re call me a professional based solely on this image?:P)…it just so happens that a 24” RC is now available to amateurs who choose to use such equipment…so what’s the problem?:shrug: How about putting that AP155/FLI-PL combo on a robotic PME and selling some telescope time to the masses. That would make a good professional research grade imaging rig, which would be out of the league for many to buy outright – just like the 24” RC. I’ll buy some time from you if can provide the access.:D




Cheers Fred. :D Yes, the SII data wasn’t the best to work with. Blending in some Ha certainly assisted. There were no issues with the OIII data, it was quite strong…especially the upper region where the some of the main cometary globs are located. I fully agree that processing data sets from different instruments is fun, even of the same target. I've got one other rendition of this data set as the HOS palette. I didn't find the OIII mapped as green very aesthetic. Ah, Mike means well, life wouldn't be fun without healthy debate and opinions.




Thanks Phil. :) Pleased you liked it mate!



Cheers Ric! :thumbsup: Don't let this image hold you back from posting. All images are unique and interesting in their own right. We often get caught up with what we expect the object to look like based on images produced by others. Narrowband images in particular provides the freedom to express what the imager has in mind...vastly different to traditional RGB. Thanks for your comments.



Thanks Matt.

====
Thanks to all those who have taken the time to view and make comment.

Cheers

[Jeffkop]

Wish I knew more about this whole subject to provide you another objective point of view from the technical aspect ... So all I can say is .. "AWESOME IMAGE" .. and I dont care from where it all came from OR that I cant at this stage offer any more comment than that.

If I can log into my "local" astro-forum and view an obviously very professional quality picture then more's my luck !!!

My experience at IceInSpace is enriched by the visual plethora presented in all its forms and my knowledge base is extended by the forum members.

Keep'em coming Jase

[Peter Ward]

Jase...clearly a great image. But to be frank, (you can take it :) ) not as good as I would have expected from a 24” RC in pristine skies with a back illuminated CCD. (hey.. I image from crap skies with a similar, albeit smaller...50% smaller... back illuminated rig, so feel just a little qualified to comment thusly....)

I suspect the decision to bin the data 2x2 for extra signal gain, while still giving good sampling also did not allow significant oversampling: with a view to heavier de-convolution...i.e. an image with a little more “snap”

But I have to ask..why narrow band? RGB gives such cool colours within the Helix. A personal choice to be sure, but unless you want to make a science statement, natural beauty sometimes suffices.

None the less... the result is clearly in the imaging stratosphere. Your image processing is excellent.

[strongmanmike]

[quote=Bassnut;354672]

Dont listen to Mike, [quote]

Have another Southern Comfort hey? ;)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

[quote=Peter Ward;354807]Jase...clearly a great image. But to be frank, (you can take it :) ) not as good as I would have expected from a 24” RC in pristine skies with a back illuminated CCD. (hey.. I image from crap skies with a similar, albeit smaller...50% smaller... back illuminated rig, so feel just a little qualified to comment thusly....)

I suspect the decision to bin the data 2x2 for extra signal gain, while still giving good sampling also did not allow significant oversampling: with a view to heavier de-convolution...i.e. an image with a little more “snap”

But I have to ask..why narrow band? RGB gives such cool colours within the Helix. A personal choice to be sure, but unless you want to make a science statement, natural beauty sometimes suffices.

[quote]

Oh for F'sake Peter why go on with all that f'ing bull crap? Deconvolution is for fakes, it is a great image and you are just jealous! :rofl:

Why narrow band???...Jeeeesus!

Just admit it, it is a fantastic image! :thumbsup:

Mike

[AstroJunk]

Very nice Jase,

I don't often browse here, but I'm glad I did!!!

Remote imaging is the future of amateur astronomy - we are finally getting access to the instruments we deserve, and using them we can drive forward 'the science' en masse.

For me, it matters not who owns/sets up the equipment - the skill is in the photography. But don't get me wrong, if you are using the best, then it has to be a damn good image :)

Keep it up !

[strongmanmike]

I don't need to expand my mind at all but thanks for the suggestion :hi:

Why would you buy time on a 6" APO when you have a $500,000 24" robotic RC at your disposal???

Hey, by the way, I am going to access the UK Schmidt (I have the money and the contacts now) to gather some data on some faint Cirrus around the SCP, I should be able to produce a really nice amateur image with this equipment too...:whistle: :rolleyes:

Mike

[jase]

Thanks Jeff. No need for technical critic - the image is what it is. Pleased you liked it though.:)



Cheers Peter. :) So the 24" RC with back illuminated CCD and dark skies is not as good as you expected eh?...Did you give any thought as to where the Helix is from Rodeo, New Mexico? I should add that it crosses the meridian at 40 degrees. Enough said. I'm collecting data for another target which I feel will show its capabilities - just waiting for the monsoon season to finish before I complete the data acquisition.

At 1x1, .57 arcsecs, the data is indeed oversampled and would need some heavy deconv work. 2x2 delivered what I believe better sampling considering the target. Why not narrowband? I think narrow fields go well with narrowband. Thanks again for your comments.



Thanks AstroJunk. Couldn't agree more with your note on remote imaging. It will progressively become the new world order as our suburban skies get brighter and brighter. Thanks for checking the image out - pleased you liked it.:)



Simply, different targets require different instruments. The 24" RC is great for deep space work, but if I wanted to use it to image the pelican nebula, I'd need to perform a mosaic. Clearly, it comes back to what you are trying to achieve with the equipment and target combination. I've bought time on a remotely controlled FSQ before (and I actually own one, so go figure), so I can't see why I wouldn't want access to a 6" APO to nail some targets. Look forward to seeing your faint Cirrus post here.:P:)

[prova]

Superb Jase.

[Peter Ward]

Mike, BS? what BS?
Suggest you re-read the last line of my post.... the stratosphere bit..... I think I made it plain that I thought Jase’s image processing was on the money. I would have done it in RGB and not binned for reasons I stated...and Jase made his choices, with a great end result.

As to whether image de-convolution is a valid post processing technique......I suggest you take that up with the high-res planetary imaging specialists on ISS. ;)

The only thing I am jealous of is not being able to be at home often enough to use the gear I do have. ( I can see Jase champing at the bit here...urging me to pull my finger out and finally set-up my system for remote access :) )

Though I didn’t comment earlier, I have no problem with amateur astronomers using large aperture remote telescopes to acquire first class data. Some very remarkable imagery will no doubt continue to appear here and elsewhere using this technology.

I prefer a more hands on approach, and enjoy the challenge of personally getting the equipment choices I have made to perform at their optimum to produce good data in less than ideal skies.

[leon]

Jase I know I'm a bit late here to comment, as all has been said, now I know why you only produce an image every no and then. :whistle:

I must take you a long time to come down to earth, so to speak. :lol:

I have never seen anything like it, a truly beautiful Helix, top stuff. :eyepop:

Leon :thumbsup:

[Bassnut]

OK Theo, some post with a competitive spirit, buts thats all in this case. The competition thing has been done to death, doesnt need to be mentioned on every quality post :P. Lightbuckets was given due mention as expected, and anyway processing is more than half the effort. So you just view the image, marvel at the variety of skills it took to present it, its visual quality and be pleased with the experience :thumbsup:.

Mike

"Have another Southern Comfort hey?", ummm, no?. "Deconvolution is for fakes" Whaaa? I had never considered, or heard of such a notion, whys that Mike?. Its the one tool that pulls my LX200 shots up to a standard to be proud of, what make decov something to deride?.

Peter

I must say, of all the NB nebs ive done, Helix is the one that IMO looks "better" in RGB, Jase has done well to make Helix look that attractive in NB, they usually dont.

[EzyStyles]

excellent work Jase . Colours are exactly identical to the hubbles and the detail is up there too!

[JohnH]

Oh I hope not. Surely the next step would then be not to gather the data at all but simply google for some raws to collate and process. In fact there is a group that does that already I believe using the 2ds survey data and processing it to basically "colour it in". Dot to dot anyone?

Just my 2c worth but I like using my scope - and I even look through it sometimes!:rofl:

[RB]

Oh what a joy it is to view your work my friend.

Just stunning Jase !

:)

[jase]

Thanks Mark!:)



You read my mind Peter. We briefly spoke about this at CWAS. Shouldn't be too hard. You simply need to get your other half a little "scope savvy", so that she becomes your ground support. Though, as you mentioned at the time, she would not be too impressed to receive a support call at 2am asking for the PIR to be realigned or something similar.;):). On another note...When is Rene going to update the Gemini code to support absolute encoders??...



Thanks Leon. Never too late. Appreciate the kind words.:thumbsup:



Cheers Eric. I used the same hubble palette - SII:Ha:OIII - so one would expect so. The trick is to not weight the Ha very high otherwise it will dominate the image. Thanks again...and Happy Birthday too.:)



Cheers Andrew. Its a long time between posts, but its the quality not quantity I'm after.:D

=========

Thanks again. Your comments and support are appreciated.:)

Cheers

[strongmanmike]

:lol: I know, decon is ok, I was just having a go at all the "buts" in your post that was all :P



Yes it must drive you made not imaging much with that incredible gear, must be heartbreaking that it is in Sydney too? :sadeyes:



Let me be very clear, unless it appears in an amateur imaging contest, I have no problem with the practise either, truly! the results are amazing indeed but since it has been topical lately and Jase enters them I thought Jases Helix was a great example of what shouldn't be considered amateur in the context of an amateur imaging contest. I love the work some amateur guys are doing using proffessional observatories, I just don't think it is fair to allow it to be entered in an amateur imaging contest that's all, a rather simple concept really?



Yes, a hard task and you will never get the performance out of it that you could...how about moving it to a remote lcation and well you know...:shrug:

[Peter Ward]

:lol: Lord don't I know it....but I'm lazy....an hour is long enough to spend driving to work....perhaps when I pull the pin from the day job ;)

[marc4darkskies]

No doubt - a positively spectacluar image Jase!!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup: Too bad it's mapped though :shrug:

It's hard to let this thread go by and not buy into the underlying debate ... soooo ...
... You paid $US175 per HOUR??!!!!! :eyepop: :rofl::rofl:That's over $US600 for your single 3.5hr image!!!! Presumably it was quite a bit more than this too - setup time, darks, flats etc (unless there's a library to choose from) Bet you didn't throw away any subs!! :rofl:



Here here!!! And I'm pretty sure this is what being an "amateur" actually means!



Yep, agree with that. If I enter a bicycle race, I can't reasonably expect my entering with a Harley (owned and driven by someone else) to be considered fair! (there I go with the analogies again :D). I'm quietly confident though that those who run the competitions will modify the rules appropriately :whistle: to cater for this trend. If not, I'll just have to be content sharing my astro-imaging exploits with my family, forum friends and the wall of my study!!

Cheers, Marcus

[Garyh]

Spectacular image Jase!
Doesn`t matter how it was acquired it still a ripper image! :thumbsup:

[jase]

Pleased you liked it Marcus. Nothing wrong with narrowband imaging, perhaps you should try it sometime if you have the courage.;)

You pay peanuts, you get peanuts. What would you expect to pay to gain access to such equipment?

Setup time, darks flats...Huh? Price is inclusive. You gain access to a calibration library which is refreshed automatically to ensure quality data. Talking quality, you're right, you don't throw any subs away...there's no need too on this gear. Should a problem arise, you'll find many rental scope parties will refund your points. You're paying for quality data on premium instruments - not egg shaped stars or uneven field illumination. This leaves you spend time where its important - the processing. Thanks again.:)



Cheers Gary. I agree, acquiring and processing data from different sources is part of the fun.

[gregbradley]

Wonderful image Jase and nicely processed.

I often find it amazing how something as "innocuous" and passive as astrophotography could get so many different viewpoints often passionately expressed.

I think my wife would laugh pretty hard about how what are really "minor"
differences of opinion about relatively trivial things gets so much heat at
times.

I say argue on though, as it makes the game interesting.

Who wants to all be the same!


Greg.