Ic2118

Martin Pugh · #1 09-01-2011, 09:54 AM

Hello all
from a processing point of view, this has been my most difficult image to date. I have been imaging it for 2 seasons now because it passes between 2 trees and is very low, not getting higher than 39degs in altitude. Consequently, every single frame had a problem with it, and the colour was just ridiculously bad.

Anyway, personally, I am delighted with the result given the very low quality data, length of time to get it, and the multitude of problems I had to deal with.

In the end, this was LRGB, with Lum made up of 3 hours regular luminance and 3 hours of synthethic luminance. RGB was 2:3:3 hours, so about 14 hours all round.

http://tinyurl.com/38bhaug (7mB)

thanks for looking and comments welcome.

cheers
Martin

multiweb (Marc) · #2 09-01-2011, 10:05 AM

Wow! That is really nice indeed. Those little galaxies everywhere add to the overall picture. Very well done.

Hans Tucker (Hans) · #3 09-01-2011, 10:09 AM

Fantastic result Martin given that it was a difficult target. I notice on some of the bright stars in the top of the image that there is a shadow at the 2 & 8 O'clock positions...is this normal effect? Spotted this whilst the image was down loading.

Martin Pugh · #4 09-01-2011, 10:18 AM

Thanks Marc/Hans

Yes Hans, those shadows are reflections of the clips that hold the objective in place on the FSQ106N. Nothing can be done about it. The FSQ106ED does not have this.

cheers
Martin

Hans Tucker (Hans) · #5 09-01-2011, 10:23 AM

People imaging with the WO 132 reported the same effect.

Pardon my ignorance but what is synthethic luminance?

Martin Pugh · #6 09-01-2011, 10:25 AM

Hans

its the technique where you combine all of your colour frames in a manner to add to the overall luminance frame.

cheers
Martin

allan gould · #7 09-01-2011, 11:24 AM

Martin
congratulations on another great photograph. Your determination has been rewarded with another excellent shot and I admire your persistence to get the data.

Peter Ward · #8 09-01-2011, 11:31 AM

Very smooth. Superb as usual.

marc4darkskies (Marcus) · #9 09-01-2011, 11:38 AM

Lovely Martin, as always! Well worth your perserverance!

Cheers, Marcus

Paul Haese · #10 09-01-2011, 11:47 AM

Lovely noise free image and I am really stoked with the views of the galaxies up in the top of the image. Cracking image. Man I have to get my water cooling sorted, cooler temps give this sort of lovely imaging.

Ric · #11 09-01-2011, 11:50 AM

A wonderful image Martin, very stunning.

The detail you've captured in the background galaxies are a great bonus as well.

Cheers

Bolts_Tweed (Mark) · #12 09-01-2011, 11:51 AM

Nice Martin. Detailed yet retains that subtlety or ethereal look that doesn't overpower the star field. Great image mate - the battle plan does the job again.

I heard a little rumour you may be back in Aus later this year (any truth?). If you are going to be around in July can you pm me? I know a bunch of Aussies that would be really interested in the Pugh battle plan (or order - i forget) at an Aussie Conference in July.

Mark Bolton

Martin Pugh · #13 09-01-2011, 03:34 PM

Thanks all
yes, those galaxies are a real treat to this image.

Hey Mark - good to see you at AIC. I spotted in another forum that you are gearing up to host a similar event in Australia. Should be great.

The rumours are part correct. I do come to Australia next month on business, but I do not return home until Jan 2012.

Indeed, the 'Battle Rhythm' was in full swing during this image.

cheers
Martin

CoolhandJo (Paul) · #14 09-01-2011, 03:55 PM

Nice image.

Stevec35 (Steve) · #15 09-01-2011, 04:06 PM

Extremely nice as always Martin

Cheers

Steve

TrevorW · #16 09-01-2011, 06:05 PM

Smooth

Octane (Humayun) · #17 09-01-2011, 06:32 PM

Looks like bubblegum icecream, or something.

The softness evokes a dream-like quality to the image. I totally dig it.

As always, a pleasure, Martin. : )

H

gregbradley · #18 09-01-2011, 06:50 PM

Great image Martin. Beautiful and smooth, great colour, lovely round stars great processing. What's not to like?

Those bands are caused by the lens clips? I was told be someone else Roland Christen thought they were vignetting. I wasn't sure how that could be but the Petsval design is prone to vignetting. Hence Tak does a good job getting it all together and why others haven't attempted it apart from Televue.

Greg.

Martin Pugh · #19 10-01-2011, 01:48 AM

Thanks all
Greg - that's an interesting view, someone on the Tak forum told me this sometime ago, and I think it was someone from TNR.

Still, cant do anything about it which is a bit unfortunate.

cheers
Martin

zipdrive (Dave) · #20 10-01-2011, 03:07 AM

WoW! beautiful! I love how it's sprinkled with tiny galaxies.
Never new they were there before. Thanks for sharing.