NGC 6357 in Narrowband

[ejcruz]

From my backyard captured using Neb2 with PHD guiding, QHY9 ccd on WO FLT-110 f/7, HEQ5 Pro mount, processed using IP and PS-C3, Hubble palette Sii/Ha/Oiii all subs 20min - Sii=4h20m Ha=5h Oiii=3h. Have really stretched Sii and Oiii, waiting for the clouds to clear so I can get some more Sii and Oiii data. So here's what I have so far.

Small Version:
http://ejcruz.smugmug.com/photos/575819335_YQEti-XL.jpg
Larger Version:
http://ejcruz.smugmug.com/photos/575819335_YQEti-X3.jpg

Cheers
Eddie

[Hagar]

Nice sharp detail in this image Eddie. Not so sure about the colour but I'm not a false colour fan but I can appreciate the clarity and work that goes into an image like this one.
Well Done.

[AlexN]

Looks great to me... Although im a narrowband junkie when it comes to nebula images... so if its technicolour, im generally impressed!

Detail looks fantastic, however it could really use another couple of hours of SII and Oiii to really give it some oomph...

was the image calibrated with darks flats and bias frames? seems to be a touch noisy in areas...

Awesome nonetheless.

[ejcruz]

Thanks Hagar, the Sii and Oiii are the hard ones to capture on this one.


Thanks AlexN, I agree need much more Sii and lots more Oiii, that noise is from really stretching Sii and Oiii even though I used dark flats, flats, and bias.

Cheers
Eddie

[CoolhandJo]

Very impressive. Looking forward to the completed product!

[jase]

Bold narrowband colours Eddie! Actually, I believe you've got sufficient data in SII. The palette simply needs to be managed better. Despite the data being black clipped (loss of details in the shadows), its got a lot going for it, especially the fine details. IMO, I suggest you focus on the processing for a while to get the most from your hard earned data. There are a variety of methods to processing a narrowband image. Here's is a good thread (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=43530) to get you thinking about your workflow and ways to improve. Clipping masks provide incredible flexibility if you're up to the challenge. Regardless of the image you're processing, always keep a close eye on the histogram throughout the routine. Its a great troubleshooting tool when things go wrong or if you're trying to extract the most from the data. Look forward to seeing how you progress - keep at it!

[glenc]

Wow, amazing image Eddie. :thumbsup:

[dugnsuz]

Beautiful detail in the image Eddie.
Wish I had the same for my Lobster project.
Very nice
Doug

[bloodhound31]

Magnificent. What stands out for me the most is not the colour, but the detail and it's 3D feel.

Nice work, very nice work.

Baz.

[ejcruz]

Thank you CoolhandJo will post once I get more data.

Thanks for the tip Jase, in this project I'm aiming for lots of data to see if it really makes a difference.

Thank you Glenc

Thank you Doug, as mentioned above for this project I'm experimenting to see if lots of data will make that much of a difference, aiming for a total of 20 plus hours.

Cheers
Eddie