Galaxy NGC6744 in Pavo.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

I thought Id give this LRGB wide field imaging capper a go .

Galaxy NGC6744 in Pavo in LRGB (click here for large).
Taken on an RCOS 10" RC Scope at f9, SBIG STXL6303E Camera and PME mount.at itelescopes Siding Spring Observatory.
RGB 3hours each sub 20min bin1. RGB was then combined to provide the Luminance channel.
Processed in CCD stack, Startools and Photoshop.

Its pretty dim, and well, LRGB balance processing in PS is so painfull for me, im not sure ill bother again (dont get me started on Pixinsight, I also tried poking sharp sticks in my eye, that was way less painfull). Detail in Luminence (processed totally in Startools) was pretty good, actually way better than I could process any other way, but colour let it down I think. Either I stick with NB or totally relearn processing. Thanks to Marc for a few quick tips to get me this far

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Lovely detail there, Fred-nice image!

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

Nice......

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Very nice Fred,
One of my favourite galaxies.

[RickS (Rick)]

Yes, some nice detail there Fred!

I've got to the stage with PI where it feels more like being bludgeoned with a blunt object than poked in the eye with a sharp stick. I guess that's progress

[PRejto (Peter)]

Hi Fred, very nice image!!

I just tried this target from North Curl Curl so it's "nice" to see what a large scope from a dark site can get. Just wondering if you have tried CCDStack? I think the colour combine works pretty well and seems easier to me than Photoshop. I usually don't add luminance until in Photoshop.

Peter

[Bassnut (Fred)]

The scope is only 10" ;-). I did the colour combine in CCD stack and then with lum in PS, but then to curve it to get the colour balance "correct" (the combine in CCD stack was proper but pretty ordinary) from redish highlights out to blue spirals was a nightmare.

[jase (Jason)]

I think your niche is extreme narrowband imaging, Fred. That said and done, this is a great image. Looks like those SSO skies are the real deal. Enjoyed the colour saturation you've pulled out of the data. I'm keen to see more of your RGB adventures.