NGC 253 - Sculptor Galaxy

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

This image is LRGB 40:32:32:32 8inch Newt Atik 314L+ (-9.5deg)

Everything seemed to work fine on the night, guiding was good, sky was clear, moon wasn't too bright.

As always, I find the Sculptor reasonably hard to process.

Comments welcomed

Thanks for viewing

[multiweb (Marc)]

Great framing and excellent data. Bit pushed and clipped in the process but I'm sure there will be many sids. It's a corker in the making.

[batema (Mark)]

I think it looks great. You must have been happy to at least get the scope out. I think I will have to spray my scope with exit mould if it does not stop raining soon.

[TrevorW]

Yes it's a difficult one to get just right as per Marc but well done

[desler]

Yep Dr Paul.

I agree with Mark, perhaps a little clipped but, the data is there. A little more tweaking, maybe a little less and you'll have a superb image.

Well done.


Darren

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Thanks for the comments. Yes, definatly see the clipping issue. It was because of the dynamic range from the core. So I fixed this now by using a mask on a more stretched version.

I think this is better now - not sure I can squeeze anymore detail from this. Think I pushed the mirror to its limit with the exposure time given

[TrevorW]

Much better still a tad too red though look at the background stars you shouldn't see any red stars as such. I"d be interested to get hold of the TIFF file for processing if I can

[Garyh]

Second one looks very nice Paul! Lovely detail captured!, See if you can neutralize the background like Trev mentions (little reddish) or color balance the darktones...
Other than that it`s a great 253!
cheers Gary

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Thanks Gary - Trevor - Yes Iwill try and reduce the background red and post later. I will also get a tiff off to your Trevor.

[desler]

The detail in your second image really jumps out at you! I like it. Fix the background and you've got one for the office wall!


Darren

[multiweb (Marc)]

Looking good.

[jase (Jason)]

The repro is looking much better Paul. Keep an eye on the histogram, as its quick to catch you out. Relatively short exposure time but a pleasing result none the less. Well done.

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Thanks Darren, Mark, Jase - Yeah now that I am happy with guiding and the new camera testing I will put the effort in for longer exposure over multiple nights on my next target.

I pulled down the red background now! Yep - much less red in space!

[Hagar (Doug)]

Nice one Paul, even got the surface jets on the galaxy.
Well done.