M24 - The small Sagittarius Star Cloud

[jase]

Hi All,
Long time, no post. Many factors came into play which restricted the amount of free time to pursue imaging, however all was not lost given I put valuable time into finally automating my observatory, thus data acquisition is now fully unattended. I’ve updated the equipment page with a couple pics if you’re interested, nothing exciting. With the freedom to collect data from a dark sky whenever I please (assuming its clear!), I expect I’ll be able to push myself to try a few tedious imaging projects. So to that end, I’d like to present one such initiative which in all honesty, I thought I’d never complete as I really should have started the data acquisition a couple of months earlier.

Anyway, here it is; The small Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24) (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=186&fld_album_id=9).
Warning: Larger resolutions may take time to load

About the image
The image is a straight RGB composite consisting of three hours data per panel. A synthetic luminance was created to boost S/N in the fainter regions, but for the most part I opted to keep to the conventional RGB data where possible to minimise colour shifts. Panel overlap worked out ok - no requirement to go back to collect more data to fill in the “blanks”…a major relief let me tell you! I did however throw out approximately seven hours of poor data associated with high level clouds or dismal guiding (which I believe I’ve now resolved *sigh*). I utilised TheSky to create a scaffold image in which the panels were registered against prior to stitching to control rotation. The last three images I’ve produced with my gear have been mosaics; this one tallies as the fourth and let me tell you the processing doesn’t appear to be getting any easier. This has certainly been the most technically difficult image I’ve attempted to date. Dealing with neutral sky backgrounds seems to be easier than star clouds of our Milky Way. I actually thought the colour balance was significantly out on the center panels given they’re not the typical golden hues associated with the region. So I recombined the data over a few times, then realised what I originally produced was correct as the small Sagittarius Star cloud is quite a large object spanning 1.5 degrees (the equivalent of three full moons), but is partly obscured by dust, and contains predominately bright B through to F type stars. I was also under the impression that the swan was the same red hue as the eagle…how wrong was I! You learn something every day! Anyway, I do however feel colour fidelity has been lost in some regions due to the strict panel matching process. I’ll work on this technique with time through other projects. My Photoshop proficiency is rusty to say the least. In summary, the synth lum panels were created and stitched matching brightness and contrast between them. I then created the RGB and registered them against the stitched lum to ensure accurate alignment. Stitched the RGB panels matching colour balance and hue. Erased areas of the lum to ensure the straight RGB data filtered through, then flattened lum and RGB layer, then relayered again for colour enhancements. Colour boosting applied using a heavily DDP stretched and saturated RGB layer. Minor noise reduction and colour balance tweaks, seasoned to taste. Processed in MaximDL, CCDStack, Registar and Photoshop CS4. The presented image has been significantly reduced in size to make it web friendly.

Hope you enjoy the swim around this scene. I’ve attached TheSky mosaic plan for your reference. How bizarre, an image of the Eagle nebula, that actually looks like an eagle with its wings spread. Still think the Seagull nebula IC2177 (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=130&fld_album_id=11) takes the prize however! …and what’s with the giant foot print that has stepped on M8, IC4685 and surrounds all about…

Thanks for checking it out. I’ll now disappear back into the shadows…:D

Cheers

[Octane]

Jase,

Oh, my God.

:worship:

No words, mate. No words.

Regards,
Humayun

[gregbradley]

A masterpiece Jase.

Amazing effort and what a result.

Congrats. You can't see any joins. Fantastic.

Greg.

[Ric]

Beautiful Jase, an outstanding piece of work.

[renormalised]

Just as any great cook will have it...wonderful composition. Another great dish from the "executive chef":D:D

[Benny L]

That is something else Jase!!!!! :0

[strongmanmike]

Rather incredible work Jase :cheers:.

I see what you mean re the colour fidelity, it does look a little sorta two tone (??) but the gorgeous grand vista, the sharpness and over all quality more than make up for it :thumbsup:

Mike

[iceman]

Well that's quite incredible!

Amazing image. Not enough superlatives! Speechless!

[jase]

Cheers Humayun. A picture speaks a thousand words eh!;)



Thanks Greg. :) Yes, quite some effort. Nothing like challenging yourself now and then. Looking forward to producing a single frame image soon. Should be a walk in the park in comparison. Thanks again.



Cheers Ric. Please you liked it! :)



Pleased you enjoyed the culinary delight served Carl. Wouldn't say it was cooked to perfection however. If you like your steak rare, then it may just do.:P Thanks for the comments.



Thanks Benny. :thumbsup: Nothing like a little resolution on a widefield image. Its hard to beat a mosaic.



Cheers Mike. Yes, colour fidelity is almost always compromised in some form. Resampling has an impact as well. The full size image I've provided has actually be reduced by 65%! What I noticed is that when the image is resampled/reduced it alters the saturation. On the 1:1 (100%) image, the tonal range looks ok, especially around M8... which on the resampled/reduced image present I think looks too heavily saturated. Will see how it looks on a print sometime. Thanks again.:)



Thanks Mike.:) Certainly an interesting area of the sky which took a little planning to get the "ideal" composition. Pleased you liked it.

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Cheers:D

[Jeff]

Lovely. Looking around the high resolution version beautifully shows an assortment of favourites.

[MrB]

Took a while to download the biggest version, but it was worth the wait!!
Awesome.

[multiweb]

:eyepop::bowdown: That is just awesome mate. It's going to take me a while to fully appreciate this. Still sinking in. Since your Rho Oph I'm starting to get into doing mosaics too and learning registar. You're an inspiration mate. :thumbsup:

[avandonk]

Not bad Jase.

What is that old saying 'to those that are given much, much is expected'. You have outdone yourself.

Superb

[lacad01]

Beautiful work, well worth all the effort :thumbsup:

[telecasterguru]

Well, I don't know where to start. Amazing capture and wonderful skills in pulling it all together. So much to see, Wow.

Frank

[dugnsuz]

An amazing and welcome return jase.
The high res image is fantastic - each individual object is so well resolved and processed.
Once again...inspirational!
Doug

[montewilson]

Well done Jase - Its great t see you are still refining your craft. Never happy with the status quo!

I am pretty much out of the game now. Work, study and family give me little time to take pictures and since I sold the STL, it hasn't been anywhere near as rewarding, even with a 20Da that a friend kindly lent me.

I will probably be selling my gear soon, I'm not using it. I've got more than $10k of stuff but strangely my wife isn't hassling me to sell it, I just think it would be better used to tidy up a few finances. I've always been keen on AP so I will come back to it again later in life when 30Mpx cameras are cheap! Keep an eye out on the classifieds although I don't think there is much you need.

Regards

Monte

[DavidU]

Jase, there is not much more I can say but:thanx:
Wonderous.

[toryglen-boy]

not only is this image an absolute superlative example of what someone who knows what they are doing, can produce.

But it serves as an example for uber noobs like me, to aspire to something greater. Let me put that into perspective, i bought a QHY8 a few days ago, and have felt like throwing it in the bin, this however gives me the incentive to stick at it, and that surely must be a reward in itself.

thank you

:)

[JohnG]

Not much one can say, Jase,

Superb :eyepop:

Cheers

[jase]

Thanks kindly Jeff. :) The FoV does put a few of the "usual suspects" into perspective.



Cheers Simon! Its a slight trade off. I'd like to provide an even larger version do show more detail alas it would simply take too long to download and chew up my hosting provider bandwidth. The full size (1:1) is 15107x7615 pixels (~115megapixels).



Pleased you enjoyed it Marc. Mosaics are the pinnacle of imaging IMO. The ability to deliver a wide field with suitable resolution adds depth and impact. There are so many ways to pair objects which typically provides a unique perspective. You're only limited by your imagination and patience. Thanks again.:)



Thanks Bert. :) No expectations - No disappointment! Using different methods to frame common objects and then following through with the execution is the challenge. Its always easy to start these kind of projects, but to have the commitment to complete them is another story.



Cheers Adam. Thanks for taking the time to check it out and make comment.:thumbsup:



Thanks Frank. It's an interesting adventure with multi panel mosaics. You end up collecting so much data with no real gauge as to how things will turn out. Until had collected what I thought was enough, I did a quick process to ensure all frames where overlapping. Once I knew this was ok, the pressure is off. Last thing I wanted to do was wait another year to complete the data acquisition! Though I can see that future mega imaging projects could easily span many months, but I will not be going down that path for a while to come. Thanks again.:)



Cheers Doug. As a fellow admirer of fine wide fields - thank you. :) If people find my work as an inspiration, then the result has been a success. The more people that try their hand at imaging due to this being a catalyst, the better.



Thanks Monte. Indeed, as soon as you stop trying to top your last effort, you might as well give in. There is so much to learn, so many targets and so little time.

Sorry to hear of your close to imaging. :( Other influences can certainly impact output, but I look at it a different light. As others find relaxation in their own pursuits, so do I through imaging. Once bitten by the imaging bug, you'll return. Resistance is futile so I'd hold on to your gear. Your FSQ is priceless given its such an early release if I recall correctly - certainly a keeper. Thanks for your comments.



Cheers David. The large resolution is "scroll-worthiness" to wander around the scene.;)



Cheers Duncan. One must crawl before they can walk or run. Everyone has different goals when it comes to imaging - depends on how much time you're willing to commit. As you know, there are plenty of experienced people on these forums willing to help out. Use it to your advantage as there are steep learning curves ahead. You've taken a step in the right direction with the Qhy8. A few hours under clear skies will certainly yield improved results. Wrestling with equipment woes is a part of the journey. Thanks again for the kind words.




Thanks John. Pleased you liked it mate!:)

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Thanks again all. Much appreciated.

[Matty P]

Wow Jase, I'm lost for words. :scared2:

The hi res is just amazing. So much to see.

Truly stunning! :eyepop:

:thumbsup:

[Gallifreyboy]

Truly stunning. Thankyou for sharing. :) I will update my computer desktop image accordingly.

[h0ughy]

Fantastic image Jase - btw the lagoon neb stands out like a footprint on the beach - wonderful. your are in competition to ESA ----> (http://www.eso.org/gallery/v/ESOPIA/Stars/phot-34a-09-fullres.tif.html) with that work of art

[marc4darkskies]

Superb Jase, just suberb! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: A mammoth effort for sure but what a pay off!!

Cheers Marcus

[Tom Davis]

Excellent reference image!

Tom

[atalas]

Excellent as always Jase!

[Hagar]

An absolutely amazing image Jase. Your skills stand you well with an image of this calibre. The detail over such a huge area is superb.

Lovely image. A real DM winner here.

[TrevorW]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:I was going to say something but it's all been said before

[jase]

Pleased you enjoyed it Matty! Thanks for your comments.



Thanks Peter. Hope you've got a 24" monitor to enjoy the full size image as a desktop background.;)



Cheers Houghy. Yes, I saw the work of Stéphane Guisard on another forum. Incredible work indeed. Something like a 52 panel mosaic using an fsq/stl11k totalling more than 200+ hours exposure time. I guess its not out of the question, but I suspect I'd be beaten by bad weather to challenge it.:( Will stick to more realistic challenges that I can complete in a single season!:)



Thanks Marcus. :) Always rewarding when a plan comes together. Rather frustrating when it doesn't, but thats one of challenges.



Thanks Tom. Looking forward to hearing your presentation at AIC (http://www.aicccd.com/). A month to go. woohoooo! :D



Cheers Louie. Thanks for checking it out!:)



Pleased you liked it Doug. Perhaps you can push your FSQ to do the same. They're a great instrument as Louie can also attest. A DM winner? - Plenty of time before then to see if what else is possible, but might be on the cards assuming I get my act together and enter next year.:lol: Thanks again.



Cheers Trevor. Your simple acknowledgement is enough for me. Thanks for checking it out. :thumbsup:

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Thanks All. :D

[Benny L]

quick question Jase.. How much overlap is there between images in the mosaic? I have done a number of terrestrial images that result on the order of 1 gigapixel or more and I usually go for about 25% overlap between images.

Just curious to see if you have done something similar :)

[RobF]

Wow, wow and WoW!

Thanks so much for sharing AND giving us the details on how you achieved this magic Jase. I just can't decide what the highlight is. So many nebs and clouds in fantastic detail, and I can't get over the teeming masses of stars in the bottom right corner - all beautifully resolved!!

[Terry B]

Amazing image.
Now what to do with it?
A very big wall needs to be covered.:thumbsup:

[jase]

Sure Ben. I'd like to give you a straight answer, but there isn't one. Depends on a couple of items, predominately on the pointing accuracy of your mount. It is critical that the RA and DEC coordinates you provide are centered in the camera's FoV with a high degree of precision. If your mount and/or its pointing model is accurate then overlap can be reduced. If you've not heard of plate solving before you'll probably want to do some research as it will save time in building a pointing model and other auxiliary activities (many uses). The goal would be to have as little overlap as possible to maximise image real estate, but in reality there are limitations. Clearly, you don't want to go too lean in fear of not having panels overlap. This is a pain as you'll need to go back and collected more data. It will happen to you as it did to me - its all a part of the learning curve and fun! I work on a 10% overlap for mosaics with this set up. Tools like Registar used to align the panels will work with as little as 3%, but I don't see the value in challenging that. Hope that helps. If you want to chat about plate solving or other similar aspects of mosaic work feel free to start another thread in the appropriate section on the forum - I've assisted others in this quest so theres probably quite a bit already online here if you search for it.:)



Thanks Rob. :) Its quite a dilemma to chose the favourite target. I like M23, the open cluster right at the top, but there are so many faint wisps of Ha spread throughout the image that could be good targets at much longer focal lengths. Like Tom mentioned in his post, its a great reference image for those wanting to try a few different targets not regularly imaged.



Cheers Terry. Pleased you liked it. Will be certain to make a print of it in due time.

[MrB]

Yep, thats what does it for me. With my 15" laptop monitor I like to scroll down from top right down to bottom right and watch the density increase untill you're staring at a gold mass! Awesome.


Exactly! have already spotted a few unusual thing's I'd like to target at some stage in future ;)

[Tamtarn]

That is a remarkable achievement Jase :eyepop:

Each and every nebulae resolved so well, the intricate star fields and dark lanes in the star clouds make it so fascinating to scroll around this gem.

It's certainly worth the wait to see each of your new projects. Thanks for sharing your time and effort with us all once again.

David & Barb

[gregbradley]

I just wanted to add that you bring a great deal of professionalism in your approach in imaging to this forum.

You set a good example of a great approach to anything of being a professional in whatever you do. You are willing to take that extra step and train up on the subject and then not back off from the hard work and effort involved. Well done mate.

Greg.

[multiweb]

Well said. The man's a legend. Always helpful and great for tutorials or resources. :thumbsup:

[RB]

Jase, wonderful to see you back again and what an incredible image to kick off with.
It truly does make a fantastic reference image mate.

Breathtaking work as always.
I'm going to indulge in the hi-res version for a while.

Cheers
Andrew

[jase]

Thanks David and Barb! Pleased you like it. :) Not sure what the future holds for other targets. I've got a few plans, a couple probably way too ambitious but will certainly see what can be achieved.





Thanks for the kind words Greg and Marc. However, I'm no more professional, passionate and talented than other folks here. Its about pushing the boundaries and being open to possibilities (never say never attitude). One of the fundamentals of this forum is about sharing ones experiences and the journey. If others can benefit from imparting such information or valued opinions, we've all achieved something.



Cheers Andrew. Probably been a couple of months since being online. Time goes quick. Hope to hang around for a while! Thanks for taking the time to check out the image and make comment. :)

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Thanks all. Much appreciated. :)

[Rodstar]

Let me join the queue in expressing wonderment at that image, Jase.

Rarely does an image of that very familiar region of the sky take my breath away these days, but your image did that. The hi res image is simply stupendous - I felt like I was at the eyepiece (of very large aperture!), as I scanned across the image.

I particularly admire the interplay between dark nebula and stunning star fields.

[Lester]

Beautiful Jase, and a big thanks for sharing it.

[jase]

Cheers Rod. :) I'm pleased to hear that you liken it to using an eye piece with such a large FoV. Long gone are my days of visual work, but I have thought of getting a cheap dob whilst the other scope is taking images. It may just rekindle something. Thanks again for taking the time to check the image out and make comment.



Thanks Lester. Pleased you liked it.

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Thanks all. :D

[strongmanmike]

Hey Jase...DOH! :doh:

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap090925.html

Bastuds! :tasdevil:

Oh and this :eyepop:

http://www.sergebrunier.com/gallerie/pleinciel/

You're well on your way though :thumbsup:

Mike

[AlexN]

Oh. My. God.

Talk about a wide field! :)

Fantastic work Jase... Serious dedication, 12 panels at 3 hours a piece... absolutely seamless mosaic work, the exposure seems very uniform across the entire field...

Absolutely superb..

[jase]

:lol: Thanks Mike. I saw Stéphane's work a few days ago on another forum and Houghy also mentioned it in post #24 (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=497850&postcount=24) of this thread. Don't suppose you noticed the RHO reference in the APOD (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap090925.html) text did you.:D It is with great honour that you compare my work against that of a professional operation such as ESO.:thumbsup::)



Thanks Alex. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. :)

Cheers

[strongmanmike]

Well he certainly had some good skies :eyepop: but the equipemnt used was almost identical to yours ie STL + Tak FSQ106ED but a Tak NJP mount rather than Titan.

Your work is as good, Stephane just kept on going with the mozaic is all....quite reasonable when you have something like 90% perfect clear nights and the rest still useable! :doh:

Yes I noticed the link to your Rho shot - nice!

Mike

[AlexN]

Yep... If i had 90% perfect skies, and 10% still better than most peoples average night, I'd be doing mosaics with mega data too... Unfortunately, my great skies are few and far between..