We take what we can get - M42

[[1ponders]]

I must be on a roll, 2 images in 3 weeks. How long with it last. :)

48x3min (2 nights after full moon) VC200L/SXVR-M25C/ OAG SX & Exview guider. Lights, darks & flats processed in Deepsky Stacker. Post processing PS CS3


I'm still Deepsky challenged though. Sometimes selecting the right settings for processing is a bit like magic. The M25C seems to be a bit like a modded DSLR in its red sensitivity. That, capped with the f/9 scope, the image hasn't recorded alot of the fainter 'bluer' stuff. I expect that is what is contributing to this shots muddy brown look. Or its been so long since I've had processing to do I've forgotten completely how to. :hi: ... most likely :)



I hope you enjoy it as much as i did actually getting out there and catching it.

[strongmanmike]

Well Paul, I recon that's pretty neat actually, lovely soft nebulosity, it has depth, the core area is handled very well and the subtle colour is nothing to be worried about as it's perhaps a preference thing anyway, it looks quite nice in fact, even to this colour saturated junky :thumbsup: The lovely diffraction spikes set it off nicely too.

I hear you, at the end of the day getting out is at least 50% of the fun and if you grab even a half decent image the whole experience was worth it IMO - I'm with ya buddy :thumbsup:

Mike

[[1ponders]]

That's me through and through Mike .... subtle :face: :lol: You're right though, its all about perception and preference. Here's to more chances to getting back out there and trialing a few preferences and see what my perceptions can turn them into. :)

I'd go as high as 75% the fun, though I will admit the ap900 makes it so easy now I've got nothing to do once I'm setup and imaging. I'm thinking of dragging my GM8 out again just so I have something to do and something to curse at while the other mount is imaging its little heart out.

[multiweb]

That looks very good. Love the natural feel. :thumbsup:

[RickS]

Nice work, Paul! How come you're using relatively short subs?

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: yep full moon or not Paul we wernt missing out on a bit of clear sky for a change hehehe :thumbsup: as i said on facebook nice pic :D

[Jen]

Thats all he could get in between clouds and near full moon :lol:

[Rigel003]

Lovely image Paul. Nice and soft (which isn't a bad thing) and natural looking. Stars are especially nice. Is it my imagination or is it reversed L to R?

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Marc.

As Jen said it was partly due to the full moon and partly to make the most of an unknown cloud free window. Plus 3 min allowed me to catch a good part of the nebulosity in the image window without burning the Trapezium and surrounding area out too much.



Thanks Jen. Keep on dancin' ;)



Thanks Graeme. It probably is reversed. I know I saw a bullet checked in maxim the other day and it had something to do with flipping an image horizontally. I remember thinking then I'd better come back and check that (busy doing something else att). Never did. :ashamed: Can't remember where I saw it :lol: I like it though, the reversed image, it gives different perspective.

[spacezebra]

Stunning Paul!

Cheers Petra d.

[RickS]

Of course... I haven't imaged in a couple of months and I'm getting rusty and forgetful :D My last attempt at M42 I tried to do the HDR thing in PixInsight and took some very short subs and some long ones. I thought it worked out OK...

Cheers,
Rick.

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Petra :)

I had planned to do the same sort of thing, but wanted to bracket both sides of 3 min, short and long. Took the 3's first, JIC ;) Glad I did. I had planned on 50x3min but only managed 48 subs before cloud disrupted a lovely night.

[h0ughy]

nice work Paul. very natural look and feel.

[Ross G]

A great photo Paul.

I love the delicate detail and subtle tones...looks "real".


Thanks.

Ross.

[[1ponders]]

Thank h0ughy and Ross. Guess I'm just an old fashion natural kinda guy :lol: :D I'm continually amazed at the skill and dedication of some of our members who spend so much time and effort in their capture and processing and produce such stunning vibrant images. I'm just glad there is still a place for hackers and fumblefoots to experiment with simple tools and see what comes out. And yes I do like the the 'natural' look ;)

[midnight]

Couldn't agree more. That is what is great about IIS.

Lovelly natural look to that image and glad you enjoyed capturing it. It makes me want to get back home to Aus and get my gear out. To think I've missed nearly a whole summer in WA & my gear collecting dust back home. :(

Cheers,
Darrin...