UFO? Nah...just M104

[Peter Ward]

M104 using a much tighter crop with some reprocessing using same data I posted last year.

http://www.atscope.com.au/BRO/gallery39.html

[Hagar]

Very Nice Peter, This is probably the most detailed image of Sombrero I have ever seen. Although I make a noise about repro's, all is forgiven for this work of art.

[Peter Ward]

Thanks Doug! ....but I'm just a hack compared to this

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/0803/M104b_peris2048.jpg

[Craig_L]

Stunning Peter.

[sjastro]

Excellent image Peter.

Steven

[troypiggo]

Ok, that is some pretty fine detail right there, and...



... this one just blew my mind! Massive detail!

[Peter Ward]

Thanks Steve, Craig, Troy.

It was fun to re-work the data at such a large image scale.

I must admit to having used some artistic license and applied some localized/layered sharpening....but don't think the result looks over-cooked.

[seeker372011]

wow

that is stunning !

[Bassnut]

Outstanding detail in the dustlanes there Peter, a classic.

[spacezebra]

An excellent capture and what amazing detail,

Cheers Petra d.

[multiweb]

Wow! :jawdrop: That's the best I've seen. The processing and the color change between the blues and orange/yellow is outstanding. I've looked at the HST version a while ago but I have to admit this is much better processed. The way you brought up the colours in the details is just amazing. It's simply the right balance of softness and sharpness just in the right places. Outstanding. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Peter Ward]

Thanks Fred (& Petra & seeker). Narrow field rules OK! ?

Just some thoughts on the image data.

I recall there was a conveniently placed guide star for the AOL to work on....at around 10Hz.

plus the seeing (due a large blocking High and consistent fog in the mornings) was..well...as good as it gets in my neck of the woods.

But I didn't use a focal extender.....hummmm.... :)

[Peter Ward]

Thanks Marc :)

[Virgs]

Impressive!!!

[g__day]

Impressive to see what the professionals, or rather ultra serious semi-professionals can do!

[marc4darkskies]

No ... I'm not jealous, I am not jealous .... ... Sheeze, who am I kidding :(:P

That is just a magical shot Peter :eyepop: I feel like bursting into prayer again!!!;):lol:

Cheers, Marcus

[Peter Ward]

:lol:

From the Holy book of Python

So it was written: STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT RIGHT NOW! STOP IT!"

And the Lord Monty spoke "All right, no one is to stone anyone until I blow this whistle"

Even... and I want to make this absolutely clear... even if they do say, "Jehovah."

:innocent:

[rat156]

Well Peter, that is pretty good data there.

I like the way you've pushed the processing as well, some of the colours are off a bit, but really that's not what you're looking at.

I think they cheated with the Hubble image and used IR (or a blend) for the luminance anyway, that's the only way you could get that transparent effect isn't it?

I'm trying my own M104 tonight, the seeing isn't that flash, but it's nicely placed and like you mentioned there's a nice guide star (or three). My only problem is with that I've had to rotate the camera about 90deg, so the scope is now out of balance slightly. I'm getting about 7-8Hz corrections still, so it'll be interesting to compare the results to find out what all that extra money gets you. You'll be able to use the comparison on your website, $6k scope vs >$50k? scope and mount.

Cheers
Stuart

[Peter Ward]

Bugger :)



Agreed



It's the last few percent that always costs $$.... :sadeyes:

[rat156]

I think I'm gunna have to be happy with 97%, unless Uncle Kev starts a rather larger stimulus package...

Still happily acquiring luminance.

I assume you binned the RGB subs, but did you still guide at 10Hz?

I won't be able to do that through the filters, but I'm wondering if it's necessary anyway as I'll bin them anyway, thought?

Cheers
Bruce

[Peter Ward]

Actually no, it was all at 1x1



M104 is pretty bright. You need resolution (=oversampling) more than raw signal. Deconvolution routines e.g. max entropy or LR *need* oversampling to work well.

I look forward to your results! (as the ST10 has way more QE than the STL11k)

[richardo]

Not sure if I saw your your previous version Peter, but this is most excellent!!

Almost Rivals Hubbles....

Cheers

Rich

[bloodhound31]

Pete, if I was that good, I would be happy and proud to call myself a hack. Actually, I think yours is better. That APOD one looks a little cartoony, like it's missing something or painted.

Baz.

[prokyon]

That`s high level astrophotograpy! Wonderful pic, thanx for posting.

cheers

werner

[JD2439975]

That can't be a UFO Peter, it's not out of focus.

But seriously...WOW, that's a beautiful image.
As for the colours, like a cosmic sunset.

Lovely work.

[Max]

Incredible image!!! The best of Sombrero i ever seen!!!!

Congrats!!!!!

[iceman]

That's really, really nice Peter. Very smooth.

[allan gould]

Peter, that photo of M104 - I could not stop looking at it. Its absolutely brilliant. Thanks so much for sharing and I admire your ability and what you produce with your equipment. More photons to you.

[Peter Ward]

Thanks Allan...(and Mike/Max/Baz/Werner/JD)....given the forecast of rain in Sydney for the next week...some photons would be nice ! :)

The image really does lack the fine structure you can only get with very serious aperture (or low earth-orbit)...but the kudos is nice and gives me some direction for future images.

[leon]

Bloody hell Peter why do you do this to us, fantastic, and congratulations in being first of the best 10 Astrophotographers.

Leon

[Paul Haese]

Superb image, I wonder if that would win DM overall award? Very nice reprocess.

[telecasterguru]

Peter,
That is the most beautiful, beautiful image that inspires awe and humility. Congratulations on your work.
I have many universes to cross to get to where I am going but the best part is the journey.
I am grateful for all the images that are posted on ice in space and thank all those responsible.
Regards
Frank

[Tamtarn]

What can be said other than - absolutely brilliant Peter !!!

D&B

[jase]

Didn't think such seeing conditions existed in Sydney. Once in a blue moon perhaps. Nice work Peter.

[Peter Ward]

Thanks Leon, Frank, Paul D&B and Jase.



Agreed. The seeing is often tragic!

When I captured the last couple of hours of luminance I generally had to stop short the final sub-exposures due fog....but the data was literally manna from heaven prior to that :)

....and a worthwhile hint for newbies. If you want high resolution deep sky or webcam planetary data, forecast fog = stable air.

[Alchemy]

cant add much to whats already been said, simply a delightful image.... just wish it was one of mine:D

chees clive.

[Octane]

C'est magnifique.

7 Internets to you, sir.

Regards,
Humayun

[spearo]

Absolutely stunning !
The main difference between your and the NASA shots seems to be the core. Yes there is slightly more detail in the lanes in the NASA shot but not that much.
I'll bet if the core was masked out with a briefer exposure or a few steps like that you'd be hard pressed to see the difference!
amazing work
I sooo need better equipment...
frank

[gregbradley]

That sets a standard. Perfect.

Now I don't to image it anymore!:rofl:

Greg.

[RB]

Stunning image Peter, lovely colour saturation in there !!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[skeltz]

Nice image pete, pity and yes you can all shoot me down in flames,that with all the premuim gear ,you still have star elongation .
Sorry if i don,t conform to the herd..but just my 2 bobs worth.
chhers all

[Peter Ward]

:doh: How did you determine this?

I think the tracking was pretty good....but given the number of layers in the image, it is possible the registration on some stars is less than perfect...then again some stars are binaries...

[gregbradley]

Some of the stars are round and quite a few are egg shaped but then it is cropped so even small tracking errors will show up.

It is true some binaries unresolved can look like egg shaped stars but then there are too many for that.

I think it is a very minor point and does not detract from the image.

Perfect round stars may be ideal but can be overemphasised as a necessity (says he who rarely has perfectly round stars :lol:)

Greg.

[spearo]

Jeeeesh!
I just had to go back and have another look
there's ONE star slightly right of center above the red one that perhaps isn't 100% round, perhaps? Otherwise....99.9 of the other seem perfectly round to me.
There's constructive criticism and then there's constructive criticism...
frank

[peter andre]

Just unbelievably beautiful!

[bokglob]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW:eyepop:

[AlexN]

Fantastic data indeed Peter.. I think its got to be in your top 5... :)

[KISA]

An absolutely amazing photo. Well done.

[Inmykombi]

What a beautiful target you have imaged there Peter.
You have done it complete justice as well. I have never seen such detail on the outer edge as that image shows.

Well done indeed.

Geoffro.

[Peter Ward]

On the subject of "eggy stars" there are a few: it may be intrinsic to my data (about 1/3 of all stars are binaries) or it may be my less than perfect stacking of...oh....about 60+ layers.....but I'm tending to put more faith in the capture hardware than my post capture processing skills..

I am surprised by the number of very positive responses this image has invoked. Thank you indeed! one and all....even the eagle eyed egg evaluators. :D

[Craig_L]

I love eggs. Soft boiled. Fabulous image!

[scopemankit]

A stunning image. Such detail is normally associated with the HST and some of the S American giant scopes.

[dpastern]

Can I be a hack too? :eyepop::eyepop:

Wonderful shot and detail. That's one of the best 'amateur' shots of it that I've seen.

Dave

[DENMONKEY]

Bloody beautiful mate, one of the nicest shots I've seen.

[Screwdriverone]

Wow,

You have got to submit this for the CWAS Astrofest David Malin awards.

Its that good.

Cheers

Chris

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: woah that is such a beautiful picture Peter i bet that is one pic that will be blown up and put on your wall :thumbsup::thumbsup:
You should be very proud of that one :thumbsup: nice work keep em coming

by the way what sort of scope and cam are you using? ;)

[StarGazing]

Wow Peter ......... Just @$#%#@ WOW is all I can say. :eyepop:.

If this was for sale as a poster I would buy it. :thumbsup:

I am a visual observer and enjoy the beauty of the night sky but you guys keep taking such amazing photos that I get the bug to start the expensive hobby of photography :P.

Luv the photo Peter, keep up the great work mate.

Best of luck with your photography.

Alex.