M8 Narrowband with RGB stars

[SB (Chris)]

Hi Everyone,
Took these subs while in Bortle Class 1 area near West Hill South of Sarina on the QLD coast just before this spell of rain. Normally I'm in Bortle 4 and the difference in contrast is quite apparent. It's great to see the sky with no ambient light and no Moon!

Comments welcome.

Chris

[Peter Ward]

As you did ask.... (just a 'sec while I place my Judging wig on my scone)

I won't even charge for the sage advice

Stars are a little soft and do not show much colour variation. The local contrast enhancement has been applied too harshly IMHO.

Tracking well handled, evident from the round stellar profiles. While the narrow field is dramatic, the outer nebulosity and dust lanes have been cropped out ( sure, chip size and focal length can only give you so much. That said, a mosaic would get it all in).

M8 being so bright, I'd question was narrow band the best choice here?

LRGBHa might have been a better way to showcase the beautiful and subtle H-alpha + H-beta emissions and dust regions of this popular object.

[SB (Chris)]

Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comments which I take on board. Good to get some critical comment - hence the reason for posting.

The image taken over three sessions was not cropped (ASI183 cameras and Quattro 800). For me the most impressive structure that came through from any of the filters was the SII and I’d love to work on bringing that through more somehow.
When looking at the image in full resolution the local structure contrast looked ok but agree it needs to be cut back a bit and like you I was surprised the stars didn’t show much colour variation.

Chris