Pleiades - TSA 120

[Rigel003]

Here's an image of M45 taken last week under dark skies.

Larger version here
http://www.pbase.com/rigel003/image/140715331/original

Takahashi TSA-120
Astro-Physics 900GTO
FLI Microline 8300 CCD camera @ -30degrees C
Luminance: 13 x 4 mins
RGB: 7 x 4 mins
Processed in CCDstack & Photoshop

I've had a few issues with processing this - especially brightening the nebula without burning out bright stars. Stars aren't completely round either which I think is a registration issue. Any suggestions, processing tips welcome.
Graeme

[strongmanmike]

Well it has a nice classic M45 look to it Graeme, like something form the film days with classic colour fidelity - looks very nice.

To me eyes it looks like you have lassoed the nebulosity (?) so the border between Neb and dark sky is a little abrupt.

Nice result really.

How is the little FLI performing?

Mike

[Rigel003]

Good observation, Mike. Yes, I was worried about the rather abrupt outer edges of the nebulosity - it makes it look a bit unnatural. I did do some lassooing for some background noise reduction and colour balancing with an inverse mask. The camera's great, especially the easy cooling on hot nights. I just need to find more time under the stars with it.

[strongmanmike]

Nothing much gets past this imaging war horse ;)

Oh yeh, it was warm these last two nights I imaged the Rosette but the ProLine reached -30C with speed and ease each time :thumbsup:

Mike

[Paul Haese]

Nice going Graeme. Aside from that slight darkening around the nebulosity this is a really nice image. Star sizes are ok too.

[Hagar]

Looks good Graeme. Nebulosity is a nice shade of blue rather than the bright stuff I put out.
Nicely done.

[FranckiM06]

Wow, it is absolutly great shot Graeme.
Congratulation for this superb image.
Franck

[naskies]

Great nebulosity!

[Lester]

Good to see some of your work Graeme. I like it, all the best for 2012.

[Ross G]

A great photo Graeme.

I love the colours.

Ross.