[Doogs38 (Alex)]

After what seemed like an eternity (... twas only weeks lol!) I had the opportunity to use my first ever mono setup. I choose something comparatively bright to make post-processing 'easier' (if there's any such thing): M20 Trifid Nebula. This is a very humble beginning for my journey into the dark art of mono and I have much to tweak (backfocus) and learn about processing multiple wideband and narrowband of channels. I captured about 6hrs of SHO data (~2hrs each) and about 8hrs LRGB data (~2hrs each) but haven't yet processed the SHO data.

Soooooo here's my first ever LRGB image inclusive of funky coloured stars (RGBG combo and stretch problem?) and some egg shaped stars (back focus?). This is my 4th attempt at processing the data ... mono is not as 'straightforward' as OSC but I like what I'm seeing in the final result. I was particularly happy to see the stellar jet and stalk reasonably well resolved (in blown-up image) - I thank Dave882 for highlighting those in a fantastic M20 image he took this time last year. I also like having the ability to use all those SHO & LRGB channels in whatever way I want :-) That said, my OSC cameras will still get plenty of use.

Integrated in APP (which makes it soooo easy) and processed in PI, with final tweaks in PS. I did learn that in PI, it seemed better to incorporate the L channel AFTER processing the RGB channels but others may have a diff experience.

Edge HD 8" with 0.7 R, ASI294MM, Antlia LRGB
160 x 180s LRGB (2hrs each, 8hrs total)
APP, PI, PS

As always, all advice/critique/help is gratefully received. Thanks for looking. Alex