M42 HaRGB blend.

[AlexN]

Perhaps should have put this in with the image from new years eve, although its pretty different...

This is NYE's Ha M42 image, blended with an image from the 31st of October that was RGB.

Blended as HaRGB...

Ha - 8x600sec + 13x30sec
RGB - 17x240sec

Its not my best result ever, however I think its my most successful blend of 2 different data sets... especially considering the time between images...

Let me know what you think...

Alex.

[multiweb]

Real nice details although a bit pinkish to my taste. Still looking into Ha blending as I'm getting consistent pink tinges too. Still reading on it :whistle:

[AlexN]

Thanks Marc, I was reading the guide on Rob Gendlers site whilst doing this one.. I think that if I was to layer in the Ha data again, and blend it to the blue/green channels only, the pink hue would dissipate a little..

[RB]

v.nice detail Alex.

[edwardsdj]

Hi Alex,

Sorry I haven't posted for many months. I've been working a hectic job - but holidays are here!

When I last posted you were just getting into planetary - now you're pulling some awesome deep-space images.

Anyway, this is an amazing image. I was wondering which scope you used to capture this.

Take care,
Doug

[AlexN]

Thanks guys...

Doug, Long time no see mate.. My how times have changed for me.. few months ago I was staring planetary imaging, now I've got enough cables to choke a pack of camels and deep sky imaging.. :)

This image was take with a WO Megrez 102 refractor and QHY8 CCD.

Cheers,
Alex.

[edwardsdj]

Thanks heaps Alex.

Your equipment list has me green with envy.

[Tandum]

Alex, where are all these images coming from? Hasn't it been overcast since October bar maybe 4 nights. I applaude your dedication mate :)

[bluescope]

Looking good Alex ... as you say a little pink but loads of nebulosity detail.

:thumbsup:

[renormalised]

Great detail, Alex, nice shot:D

Just needs a "pink" adjustment:)

[Craig_L]

Really nice Alex - loads of detail and very subtle. IMO though it might look better flipped with the Running Man the right way up. I haven't had much luck with taking the H alpha, yet alone blending it.

[anthony.tony]

Lovely.

[AlexN]

Taking some advice from some of the posts...

Here it is again, the right way up, a bit more saturation, and I've boosted the red in the Ha regions without over doing the inner area around the trap..

:) Cheers for all the great replies guys..

Much appreciated.

Alex.

[Tandum]

I see a guy on the BBC news tonight is putting up his own satellite. Give him a bell and whack the C11 on board ... no more cloudy nights :)

Nice image alex, straight to the pool room :)

[edwardsdj]

The second version is a truely stunning image Alex :)

[Hagar]

Sorry Mate I couldn't help myself. Hope you don't mind.

[strongmanmike]

That's got a bit more vibrancy Alex, nice.

Need to be careful layering and blending in the core area, the processing can be a dead give away and detract from the image. The trap needs very careful and many stages of layering and blending to look natural and even then it is easy to stuff it up.

Many otherwise good image of M42 are ruined by sloppy work on revealing the core.

Forgive the image post but this version was very tricky and I still wasn't 100% happy - but it's close I think? The raws were blown out to the max but it can be done :thumbsup:several steps of layering, lasooing, feathering and blending a few versions, each showcasing slightly different areas.

http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/104357712/original

Mike

[AlexN]

Doug - Thanks, I dont mind the image posting, gives me an idea of what to do next... These things are constant works in progress. :)

Mike - Yeah, I noticed in this one the blending was pretty average actually... However, in the original of the Ha only subs I actually did a really good job on it, considering that it was only done with 10min and 30sec subs.. Link to said image (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=51824)

Cheers for the pointers guys... learning curve is so massive its just not funny. :)

Alex.

[atalas]

Very nice Alex !

[Bassnut]

Excellent Alex, some good depth on the outer neb there.

[AlexN]

Thanks Louie & Fred.

Fred - Now I just want to replicate the image using my 11" SCT @ F/6.3... I tend to agree with your sentiments.. Narrowfield really does rule... Wide field is nice and easy though! :)

Maybe I'll throw the task to GRAS untill I get a bigger mount to carry the SCT... Who knows..

[Matty P]

Nice work Alex. Lots of detail especially in the fainter areas. I prefer your first pic more than the second as it looks more natural but hey they both look great.

Man, start using your C11 for some imaging. :P

Well done. :thumbsup:

[AlexN]

I've used it once or twice Matt, the problem is that the EQ6 just isn't up to the task really... It can do it... but the tiniest little bit of wind ruins subs... poor seeing destroys images... its just so hard to use right... Its coming though... a real big... real tuff mount to carry the C11 without breaking a sweat.... :D :D

[gregbradley]

Really nice.

Hey isn't that upside down? I see you are in Aussie not the Northern Hemisphere.:P

Greg.

[AlexN]

Thanks Greg... It makes me very happy to hear you like it, as I have one of your M42 images as my desktop background (Have had for months :D)

Yes, he may be upside down, but thats the way it came out of the camera, so thats the way I posted it :)

[gregbradley]

Thanks for the compliment.

Upside down is fine!:lol:

I was in the US last year and it always seemed funny seeing M42 "upside down".

Greg.