Rcw58

[jase]

Hi All,

Following on from the wide field "Environs of the Hibiscus (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=61395)" post, I made comment on the framing, specifically what appears to be featureless void to the lower left.

While acquiring data for the wide field mosaic, I was fascinated by what I saw in the data set. This prompted me to acquired data at a longer focal length to provide a magnified view of intriguing nebula known as RCW58 - Wolf-Rayet Bubble (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=212&fld_album_id=11).

Located in the constellation Carina, an extremely dim shell of gas forms a ring like appearance around the Wolf-Rayet star HD96548. Designated RCW58, the expanding bubble of gas has formed as a result of the central star ejecting stellar matter outward at extremely high velocity. Another example of a Wolf-Rayet star is NGC6164 (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=144&fld_album_id=11).

I found this to be a tough target being very dim and to make matters challenging the data acquired was mediocre, compounded by bad seeing and time constraints. Only 4.5hrs worth of filtered RGB. I created a synthetic lum to combat noise. Blue cast gradients were a nightmare to remove and are still present in areas. The target offset from center is intentional given guide star selection was limited. I could have cropped the view, but feel this adds a twist to the norm.

Basic workflow used, so no surprises. Perhaps the exception in adding a heavily DDP stretched and colour saturated RGB layer (gradient corrected) which was layered as a softlight blend to boost colours. Needs more data, but it will suffice for now.

Thanks for looking!

Cheers :)

[rogerg]

Hmm, very nice. I like the radial structure visible in the nebulosity. :)

[jase]

Thanks Roger! Certainly needs some focal length and good seeing. Unfortunately I failed with the latter. Angular size of 7'x9', so quite small.

[leon]

Jase mate that is just great, man you are good at this stuff, not often, but when you do it it is magazine quality.

Leon

[TrevorW]

Well done

Thor's helmet is also a WR

what is it's specific location and VB or WR catalogue designation Jase

[renormalised]

Nice shot, as usual:):)

[jase]

Cheers Leon. Equipment has much to do with it. Choosing the right tool for the job. Had to pull a rabbit out of the hat with processing to get this one looking 'respectable'. Not the best data. I enjoy processing data of different focal lengths as they require different techniques to bring out the details. Thanks again mate.



Cheers Tevor. Thor's (http://cosmicphotos.com/gallery/image.php?fld_image_id=172&fld_album_id=11)...indeed it is. Perhaps I should link to that as well. Nah...will not get too carried away. RCW58 is WR40 if I'm not mistaken. J2000: RA 11:06:18 Dec -65:43:00



Thanks Carl! :D

[TrevorW]

Jase hope you don't mind but here is a good reference to WR stars

http://www.peripatus.gen.nz/Astronomy/WolRaySta.html

WR 40 at vb 7.85 although small for those with longer FL it's a great target

I also notice a predominance in the list for WR's in Cygnus

well worth imaging IMO

[jase]

No problems at all Trevor.

In case people are wondering, attached is a map detailing the location of RCW58 cross referenced to the wide field image. The red reticle marks the spot.:)

[gregbradley]

A fascinating object Jase. Nicely imaged.

Greg.

[RB]

You forgot to remove the red reticle in the original image Jase....oh wait....that's the bubble....:question:

:lol:

I love these wonderful beauties you present to us mate, excellent stuff.
What looks like empty space is full of wonders.

:thumbsup:

[sjastro]

Great image Jase.

Most definitely a tough one to image and process.

Regards

Steven

[jase]

Thanks Greg! Something not often imaged adds an element of surprise.



Cheers RB! :rofl: Always see the lighter side of things mate. Good stuff! Will be more careful next time with the reticle layer blending technique. ;) Thanks for taking the time to check it out and make comment.



Thank you Steven. I'm aware you recently imaged this object. Tough one it sure is. Nothing like a challenge!

====

Thanks all! :)

[Hagar]

Interesting target Jase. Dificult with my equipment but always great to see some of the more obscure targets. Nice job on the processing considering your problems. I wouldn't know where to start. In fact I probably would have binned the lot and moved on to the next target/data.

[jase]

Thanks Doug! I generally throw data away only if its truly beyond repair. Subs that are of a low FWHM are keepers, even if they have satellite trails, cosmic ray hits etc. Data rejection algorithms clean these up so its not an issue. Severe gradients on the other hand take extra work. Photoshop is still the tool of choice in dealing with such nasties. Pleased you liked it. Thanks again. :)

[Paul Haese]

Nice image Jase. I hve viewed this through my 18" when I had it and an OIII filter. It is a really interesting target and well worth imaging at high resolution.

[richardo]

Pretty work Jase!
I find these Wolf Rayet objects very interesting indeed.

Thanks for sharing this one.

All the best
Rich

[Bassnut]

Top work there Jase, you certainly know how to present clean natural looking pics, the stars look very colourfull and natural, im jealous ;) :thumbsup:, and excellent detail.

[Tom Davis]

That is a wonderful object and image!

Tom