Environs of Orion's belt

[jase]

Wha?!?! An image from Jase that isn't from a rental scope...:screwy: lol.:rolleyes:

Greetings,
Yes, thought I'd test the waters and make sure I'm still made of the "right stuff" :lol:...who am I kidding... More importantly, being able to convert to produce reasonable results. Will be honest though, I did have some fun planning the execution of this image. It is however a real quick image with weak data - only 6 hours worth. I created a synth lum to compensate for this, and finished with subtle noise reduction. Didn't both chasing chip defects, just wasn't worth the effort.

Environs of Orion's Belt (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=175&fld_album_id=9)
(Image is 50% reduced as its simply too big for web display. Full size is great on a print however).

OK, I lied, who cares about a measly FSQ four panel mosaic anyway...bring on the big boys stuff...here's a couple of recent images from the Lightbuckets 24" RC...Yeah! Now that's what I'm talking about...:D 4.8 metres of pure justice compared to a "wimpish" 530mm.

Thor's Helmet (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=172&fld_album_id=11)
Cigar Galaxy (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=174&fld_album_id=12)

Not going to get into any depth on the processing used - apologies. You've heard it all anyway.;) In this instance, its the destination, not the journey. So just enjoy them for what they're worth...

Cheers :)

[leon]

Bloody hell Jase, why do you tease us like that, beautiful images mate.

leon

[Alchemy]

sweet mate.

the dust detail in the orion is best ive seen, thors helmet looks 3d,

only problem is i cant see the bullet that splattered the galaxy, plenty of blood though..... nice impact.

[sheeny]

Wow! That's deep, Jase!:thumbsup:

Superb work!

Al.

[Bassnut]

Gaud, thats just awesome Jase, all 3, razor sharp and beautifull colour.

Even zooming right in on the obscene size of the Orion WF pic renders much depth and clarity.

Youve really hit the straps now sunshine, consistant top work :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[jase]

Thanks Leon or should I say, fellow FSQ owner. ;) Had some fun with the mosaic. Despite not shaking the narrowfield bug as yet, the FSQ is really a great scope of mosaics with it wide sweeping field of view.



Thanks Clive. Darn worked hard to get the 3d effect on the Helmet. Been doing some research on depth of field processing. Easy reading, but not always easy to put into action. Cheers.



Thanks Al. Pleased you liked it. Orions belt is always a crowd pleaser. :)



I'm just rollin with the punches Fred. Taken what I can, when I can. Haven't used the humble FSQ for sometime so it was good to blow off the cob-webs and push it through its paces once again. ACP made the mosaic a breeze. While I have grand plans, executing them at the telescope doesn't always come to fruition. Cheers.

[Dennis]

The “Environs” 4050x2813 version held up very well as that resolution, despite the (inconsequential) flaws you mentioned. The wave-fronted ghostly blue nebulae, although quite ethereal, looked fabulous, as did the detached blobs of a similar colour.

The curtains behind the HH looked very prominent too; I hadn’t expected these to show up as well at a meager fl of 530mm! Overall, there is so much to see here that it really does deserve a much larger screen. The 3D effect is quite extraordinary, even scrolling around like crazy on my 1600x1200 BenQ.

Top shot Jase, a simply marvelous composition.

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

that is just fantastic, i have never seen a shot like that, well framed and the detail is simply unbelievable

[renormalised]

These are as good as Hubble shots, Jase....absolutely exquisite!!.

[strongmanmike]

Ah yeh..ya got the right stuff Jase :thumbsup:

Three lovely images and a nice mix too, well worth the wait, lots to see and Thors Helmut is nicely detailed and coloured.

Good to see you out with your own gear for a change too, was it exciting or hard going?

Mike

[Jen]

:eyepop: now that is one stunning pic :thumbsup:
nice work Jase ;)

[richardo]

Jeezzzz, apologies, for what???:shrug:

Man the 'Q' and st11K combo has picked up every known object to man in the Orionis complex.. :eyepop: and in super detail.
We of drain pipe fov's appreciate such detailed wide fields....:rolleyes:
Nah, this terrific and can imagine how speckie it would look on a wall at full res.
Definitely a Malin candidate...

Your Thors Helmet is probably one of the best I've seen around, worth the expense to be able to put your name to this top detailed image!

The Cigar Gal's more like a fire cracker I reckon..

Top stuff Jase and worth the wait for all the goodies.

All the best
Rich:thumbsup:

[bluescope]

:eyepop: Great stuff Jase ...

:thumbsup:

[jase]

Thanks Dennis. The contrasting features make an interesting scene. When I put this together, I was in awe of how many potential imaging targets there are. Some would be rather challenging too, given their proximity to bright stars that notoriously cause gradients and flare in an image. The curtain folds behind the HH was attributed to data I had previously taken with the FSQ. I simply layered it in along the HH itself. Nothing like using old data to boost the image a little. Thanks again.



Thanks David!:)



Cheers Renormalised!:)



Thanks Mike. Using my own gear was a breeze. I uploaded the mosaic plan and walked away. Focusing, telescope pointing, guide star selection are automated so I don't actually do much at the telescope. This time around, I even automated the skyflat acquistion. Just checked the scope every half hour or so. One night, clouds rolled in, so I needed to reshoot a few frames. Haven't got the cloud sensor yet... Thanks again :D



Cheers Jen.:)



Thanks Rich. A few more panels on the mosaic and I could have probably captured M42 as well. May look to extend it in due time, but I'm in no rush. Everyone images M42, so I'm pleased to nail something different in this region and add interesting perspective. Yes, the Thor's helmet turned out well. Its an Ha:OIII:OIII blend in which look quite remarkable on its own, but the stars were rather shotty, so I acquired RGB data and layered it over the top to produce an aesthetic result. Cheers.



Thanks Steve. Pleased you liked them!:)

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Thank you all for the comments. Appreciated.:)

[prova]

Awesome mate!

[Dennis]

Hi Jase

Okay, after a good night’s rest I’m sufficiently recovered to have a look at your second offering, Thor’s Helmet. Much like haute cuisine, I just couldn’t digest more than one of these amazing images at one sitting and do them justice.

The first and most obvious feature that struck me was simply the size of the main subject; I have always seen this object as a relatively small target in a large field so I was astonished to see the Helmet filling my screen. The next characteristic that leaps out was the extraordinary detail in the structure of the nebula – this has to be the best image of this object ever produced, or at least that I have seen.

The detail in the helmet and the horns is breathtaking and I love the “lace” effect where the background stars are shining through the tendrils that make up the “veil” of the main helmet.

Now that you have finished with your close up of this fascinating object, be sure to return it to its original location, some 15,000 light-years away!

Cheers

Dennis

[marc4darkskies]

Whoa!! That Orion's belt mosaic is just fabulous Jase!! :eyepop:Dare I say possible APOD material? So nice to see you blowing the dust of that measly FSQ too. Frankly, I'm surprised the scope bothered to work for you at all after your blantant, two-timing liaisons with that show pony of a 24" ;):lol:

Cheers, Marcus

[multiweb]

Wow. Don't know where to start. Orion widefield was very cool. Thor's Helmet has unbelievable details and colours but my jaws dropped when I opened the galaxy shot. That's as good as it gets :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[JohnG]

Magnificent Jase, magnificent, what else can one say.......

Cheers

[Hagar]

3 superb images Jase. I was starting to think you had skipped the country. Good to see you back with a vengence.

Really Beautiful. I really love the detail in the Galaxy but the amount of detail around the Orion landscape is outstanding. Looks like the FSQ should get more of a workout. You can always send it up to me and I will keep it warm and working.

Great stuff.

[jase]

Thanks Mark!



:) I didn't mean for the images be so exhausting for you Dennis. :P Perhaps they're best viewed in small doses, so one can take in the enormity. ;) The Helmet was interesting to process. It was originally planned for a SHO palette, but I was too impressed with the Ha and OIII data alone. I haven't done many narrowband and broadband blends before. They typically upset the narrowband purist, but when aesthetics are on the line, we're not going for going for technicality! My goal is not to just image something for the hell of imaging it, but to produce a memorable rendition that people (myself included) will come back for another look - Orion's belt is a classic example of this. Thanks again for your response - always a pleasure to read.:)



Thanks Marcus. Maybe APOD, but probably wont submit it - like all of my images, I just dont send them. I'm not in this for the fame, but solely the pleasure and thrill of processing good data, watch the image come alive. Get a kick out of it everytime. You haven't seen the end of the FSQ. More projects await...just need time to complete them!...or should I say, wean myself off the FL of the insane 24" RC.:lol: Thanks again.



Cheers Marc. Yes, the Cigar galaxy is quite a visually pleasing target...and no Ha data as well to bring out the ejecta. I simply combined the luminance and red filtered subs, then layered this back into the image to bring out this feature. Came at a price though as I'm not happy with the colour noise extension on the ejecta. I'll look at resolving this in due time as it bothers me a little. I was amazed how much dynamic range the galaxy has. I used three layers in PS CS4 to manage the intensity. This provided the ability to manage the details in the core while still obtaining the full extension of the outer regions. DDP wasn't a good candidate as the mid tones were too suppressed. The layers took sometime, but the result speaks for itself. Thanks!



Thanks John. Pleased you liked them!



No Doug, well I was OS late Jan for work, but things have settled down a little...for now anyway, so need to get some more imaging done. Dark skies contributed to the details in the Orion's belt mosaic, given that there isn't much data to work with. With fires nearby the observatory (churchill, mirboo north and the prom), I'll wait for the smoke to subside before progressing. Will give me time to complete the planning at least...the FSQ is a keeper...its a fun "all-weather" scope to use. Thanks again.:)

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Thanks again all!:D

[Garyh]

Awesome like always Jase! Been wondering what you have been up too! :thumbsup:
I must admit I really like the Mosaic with the FSQ. Nice and deep and the dust lanes stand out beautifully. You have controlled those stars in the belt very nicely!
cheers Gary

[Craig_L]

Wonderful shots Jase. I do hope you extend the mosaic out to Rigel and the WitchHead.

[Octane]

Jason,

As always, nothing but the finest work.

The detail in the widefield is just astounding. I concur with Dennis, that's the finest Thor's Helmet I have ever seen. It is so 3-dimensional that you want to reach out and touch it. The galaxy, well, not much needs to be said.

Three masterful images, presented masterfully. As always, your work and dedication remains an inspiration.

You sir, are an artisan.

Regards,
Humayun

[peeb61]

AAhhhhhggg! (Stunning Jase)

[AlexN]

10 points and a high five from me... :) Fantastic...

:D to be picky.. the flame looks a little pink..

:P

[jase]

Thanks Gary. Yes, up to no good, but keeping out of trouble...;) Pleased you like the mosaic. The bright stars across the belt lead to different techniques to control them. I could have been really brutal and curb their brightness to improve the contrast in the surrounding nebulosity, but the image didn't look right. Lets face it...these stars are bright, so might as well make them appear that way!!



Cheers Craig. Hmmm. Rigel and Witch... not sure. I've done them before (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=129&fld_album_id=11)...but would add a nice dimension to the mosaic.



Thanks Humayun. Appreciate the kind words. :) The trick in adding a depth of field is to smooth the background aspects while sharpening the foreground features. It helps to have transition areas between the two...and make sure you blur your masks... Thanks again.



Thanks Paul!:)



Thanks Alex. :lol: Oh well, can't please everyone.;)

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Thanks All.

[AlexN]

Oh no.. dont get me wrong... Im pleased.. its utterly outstanding... Just, nobody is perfect :P (my quirky sense of humour at play!)

[Craig_L]

Seen that one - stunning - my favourite - but still would look good in the mosaic IMHO to give a wider perspective of the constellation.

Cheers

[Peter Ward]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[jase]

No problems Alex. I didn't take it to heart mate.:lol: Just a figure of speech. Hey, if I was looking to please everyone, I'd have it reprocessed by now. ;) As I said in the original post, enjoy them for what they're worth.



I'll give it some thought Craig. Nothing is impossible. Given accurate/repeatable telescope pointing and position angle, I can come back and add panels as required. Doubt it will be this season though.



Thanks Peter.

[Kevnool]

An eyeopener and a pleasure as always to view.....Cheers Kev.

[gregbradley]

Oh mate, :eyepop:they are just spectacular images!

A wonderful choice of framing for the Orion with both the Horsehead and M78.

Thors Helmet is simply the best I have seen.

Cigar Galaxy is also simply divine.

Really a class act Jase. Right up there with absolutely anyone.

Greg.

[Ken]

wow Jase three images to be proud of.
Clear skies Ken

[spearo]

Jase,
I missed this one earlier
lovely Orion region!
frank

[renormalised]

Jase, to be honest with you, I'd put you up there with the likes of Ken Crawford, Rob Gendler and their ilk. Your images are nothing short of spectacular and just as exquisite as any of the other top imagers worldwide. Both yourself and the "Dietzmeister" are so consistently brilliant at what you do, it's a pleasure just to look at the works of art you produce. And don't think that because they are works of art that there's nothing of scientific value in them. They are full of scientific value, even if it's just in the appreciation of the fine work you do. Science and beauty are not mutually exclusive, if anything they're interdependent entities. Neither can be true if it's devoid of the other.

[gbeal]

Man Jase you have been busy, welcome back.
Especially nice to see the FSQ shot.
Gary

[iceman]

That is just stunning, Jase. All 3 of them.

The Orion's area is just wonderful and the depth of field work you've done has paid dividends.

Great to see you back, they are just brilliant.

[jase]

Thanks Kev! :)



Cheers Greg. Its been a while since I did a mosaic. In this instance I used an overlap of around ten percent. This isn't very efficient, but I was cautious. Producing a mosaic only to find there is no overlap on a frame or two is a harsh reality. On reflection, I could have perhaps gone with five percent. Registar will successfully work with as little as three percent. Pleased you also like Thors and the Cigar. Thanks again!



Thanks Ken! :)



Cheers Frank. Pleased you liked "The belt".



Thanks for the kind words Renormalised. Not sure if I'm in the same realm. Those guys are imaging machines with very high output in both quantity and quality. I've still got much to learn on all fronts, but what's important is that I'm having fun doing it. Cheers!



Cheers Gary! :)



Thanks Mike! Pleased you liked them...an interesting mix of targets. :)

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Thanks for all the support. Appreciated! :D

[Paul Haese]

These are all lovely images. Each has its own aspects which make it lovely. I am happy to see that my colour rendering of Thors helmet is like yours so I must be close to having that right. Thanks for posting such fine images.

[Ric]

Hi Jase, I nearly missed these images. Boy am I glad I didn't. They are three fantastic images.

I'll have to say I was blown away by the widefield detail of Orion, the depth of the image in Thors Helmet and stunning ejecta coming from the Cigar galaxy.

Those three have made my day today.

Cheers

[glenc]

Superb image of Orion Jase. The other two are also remarkable images.

[gregbradley]

Hi Jase,

I wouldn't mind if you could explain your processing approach to mosaics.

For example do you do your LRGB combine and before you get into any Photoshop processing do you form the mosaic and then do your colour processing so it all gets changed at the same time?

Do you run something on the background first to help balance it out?
I remember someone posting somewhere it works if you run Gradient Xterminator on the panels first to help balance the backgrounds.

Greg.

[jase]

Thanks Paul. Yes, I saw your Helmet post a while back. I think you were on the mark with colour balance. This is one of those targets that really thrives on singling out the wavelengths to get the details. The OIII is very pronounced and in most cases, richer than the Ha.



Thanks Ric. I guess there's something in the three images for everyone!



Cheers Glen. Pleased you liked them!



Well it goes something like this Greg (dramatically summarised as there is a lot of planning that goes into it).
Get a widefield image of the region that covers the mosaic field (monochrome or colour - doesn't make a difference). I typically download someone elses. Use registar to register the first mosaic panel to it. This will orientate the widefield image - which now becomes the "scaffolding" to build upon. You register all your other mosaic panels to it. You obviously don't use the widefield image in the final result - its simply there correct panel rotation or distortion which is quite an issue with mosaics. This is the technique Gendler uses. It works a treat. I only register the luminance panels to it to build the mosaic. Once all the luminance masters are aligned, you don't need the widefield image anymore. I balance the sky background and handle gradients manually in PS. No tricky automated tools, just the amazing features available in PS. You can use them, but I haven't had the need too. If you're not proficient in PS, then mosaics maybe a challenge. Once the luminance is built, make a backup copy that includes all the layers, then flatten it. I then use registar to align each of the RGB panels to the mosaic luminance, then pipe them into PS to start constructing the chrominance layer. With that done, it can be added to the luminance. If an RGB panel doesn't fit the scene i.e. different colours, I would suggest performing another RGB combine to correct it. Selective colour can work, but only on subtle differences. Finally, have patience and don't lose sight of the final goal as the mosaic process will certainly test you.

[gregbradley]

Thanks Jase.

Greg.

[glenc]

Jase your image is part of an amazing piece of sky. http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0902/barnardsloop_sullivan_big.jpg

[atalas]

Great work Jase!

[jase]

Thanks again Glen. Indeed, a very majestic part of the sky. Will be sure to revisit it again. May add a few more panels...



Thanks Louie!

Enjoy!

[RB]

Jase, I'm 'speechless', these images are just superb !
Sharp wonderful detail, excellent colour rendition and beautiful subject matter.
Needless to say I love the Cigar Galaxy the most. :whistle: