Tarantula Nebula high resolution luminance

[strongmanmike]

Thought some of you might like to see a large version of the high resolution luminance I used for my recent LHaRGB compilation? It is a blend of the 100min Ha frame with the 30min red frame. Adding the red to the Ha helps to bring the stars back without compromising the resolution of the nebulosity too much, it also makes the stars slightly bigger to better match with the RGB stars for the LHaRGB merger (2.5meg):

http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/106308721/original

Having done significant B&W film astrophotography in my early years I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams getting something like this from a roll of Kodak Tri-X and a 6" scope....

This is my favourite bit of the frame:
http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/106308927/original

Mike

[multiweb]

Very cool! :thumbsup:

[iceman]

Wow, so detailed. Beautiful.

[Omaroo]

For once I'd love to see one you've screwed up Mike.

:whistle:

[Ric]

Great image Mike, this one really jumps out at you with its fine details.

[strongmanmike]

The memories of taking a B&W film shot of this back in the mid 80's sure makes this look bloody awesome actually :eyepop:



Cheers Mike, I still like to see B&W versions of images, sentimental I guess? :P



Hey, I've stuffed a few over the years don't worry... just don't show anyone huh? :P you can see my feeble fist CCD image attempts from 2003 here though, now don't :rofl::

http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/early_ccd_images



Thanks Ric

[AlexN]

Dude!! Focus is SO tight! Its fantastic!!
Detail is superb!

I find this image a lot easier to look at compared to the narrowband mapped image.

I agree with Chris... Do us a favor, on the next image you take, focus it this well, then wind the focuser out about 1/50th of a turn! :) Just to make us mortals feel better! :)

[strongmanmike]

I'm with you Alex, I haven't seen a visually pleasing narrow band shot of the Tarantula really, some processing masterpieces sure but never all that visually pleasing..?

As you say, a sharp B&W nebula shot can indeed be very pleasing, perhaps it is the contrast effect or maybe the resemblence to those sharp Schmidt plates of a generation ago many of us drooled over?

Regarding focus, I do take focusing very seriously as careful attention to it can really make an image "snap" out at you.

Mike

[AlexN]

I suppose.. you cant control much with astro imaging, but you can always nail the focus if you take your time..

When its one of the only things that you can ALWAYS get right provided you dont rush it, or act carelessly, then you may as well get it right..

As you say, it can make ALL the difference..

[Octane]

Mike,

*fans self*

Wonderful.

Regards,
Humayun

[strongmanmike]

Humi,

*blushes*

Gee thanks! :o

Regards to you too mate

Mike

[Omaroo]

I'm not lauging....:doh: Most look pretty OK to me.:)