Messier 16 in LRGB (processed with P Plates!)

[Dennis]

Hello,

Well, it has been a long time coming so here is my 1st proper LRGB with the ST7E and CFW8, that have lain dormant for donkey’s years! I have much to learn about this process but I can report that I kind of enjoyed having a go at M16, chosen for its intrinsic brightness and having a good guide star nearby.

L=20x3mins (60 mins total)
R=5x3mins (15 mins total)
G=5x3mins (15 mins total)
B=5x3mins (15 mins total)

Sub-frames were Reduced (Darks & Flats), Aligned and Combined in MIRA AP.
Final LRGB in CS3 but goodness knows how, as I probably can’t repeat the trial and error process after much faffing around; I must get a good book and take notes!

Suburban Brisbane, 23rd August 2008, Tak Mewlon 180mm F12 with Reducer/Flattener at F9.6, auto guided using the ST7E TC211 guide chip. Some of the sub-frames were softened by thin clouds popping up from seemingly nowhere.

Cheers

Dennis

[Phil]

Not bad for a P plater well done.
Phil

[peeb61]

Hi Dennis,
Beautiful...done well, just love it.

Paul

[beren]

:) Very nice Dennis....don't you hate those untimely cloud belts, had the same problem last night very frustrating when your in the middle of a 30 min sub exposure :P

[Dennis]

Thanks guys – the task appeared quite daunting to start with but each time I bit off a piece of the mountain, it became easier to climb as I gained an understanding of each step. It was really exciting to see an RGB image appear from the separate RGB layers, albeit a rather thin and patchy effort due to the less that optimal colour data.

With this experience under my belt, I feel more confident in now having some direct knowledge with which to make a decision on whether to go 1 shot colour or LRGB for my next upgrade.

Cheers

Dennis

[peter_4059]

Beautiful detail in the pillars Dennis. I can imagine what you are thinking (LRGB or OSC) as the LRGB imaging and post processing sure is a lot of work but very rewarding when you get a "keeper".

Peter

[dcalleja]

Very impressive at f9.6. I've had far less sucess at long focal lengths.

[Dennis]

Thanks guys. Now, if you want to see something really special, have a look here at Jase’s re-process (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=35275)of the image, it’ll knock your socks off, it did mine!

Cheers

Dennis

[AlexN]

Haven't seen Jase's re-pro yet but I must say this is a very nice M16! If those are P plate processing skills... I think I'm driving one of those little 12v motorized cars people let their 5yr olds drive...

[winensky]

A great set of data and Jase's reprocess is lovely.