M20, M83 and the Horsehead

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

With a working guide cam setup, no moon and clear dark skies, and the weekend to recover from an all-nighter it was time to have a go at a couple of deep-sky classics.

Horsehead: 40 x 4 min subs
M83 (cropped): 11 x 4 min subs
M20: 16 x 4 min subs

All at ISO800 with the modded (but uncooled) 400D , and with darks, flats and dark flats. Processed with DSS followed by Darktable. Ambient temps of 23-25 C

Advice welcomed

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

hi Richard,

they are some attractive image you have there, well done considering the high imaging temperature.

josh

[vanwonky (Dave)]

Very nice work Richard.

[scagman (John)]

HI Richard,
great shots, love the 1 of the horse.

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

Apologies for digging up an old thread, but I have to share this.

The attached image shows the difference that software can make to the final processed image. On the left is the image I posted previously of the Horsehead and Flame Nebula region, processed with DSS and Darktable (a linux equivalent of Adobe Lightroom). On the right is the same set of lights, darks, flats and dark flats processed with a trial version of PixInsight.

Keep in mind that these are 4min subs with a DSLR on a hot summers evening with ambient temps of 23-25 C

Now I'm still learning how to use PixInsight... but IMHO - night and day

[MrB (Simon)]

Wow, nice work on the repro!
I wouldn't mind seeing a bigger version of the PI processed one if possible?

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

clicky here for a larger version

[vanwonky (Dave)]

Nice work yet again Richard. I signed up for a trial license of PI myself but no word from them in 5 days!

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

close up crop comparison of the micro horsey. Left = old method (DSS/Darktable), Right = PixInsight

Huge difference in noise, and a much more natural colour balance

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

Was a couple of days after applying before I received my trial license key

[MrB (Simon)]

Cheers Richard.
Impressive results.

[Gem (Grant)]

Keep it up!

[swannies1983 (Dan)]

That's a very nice repro. Well done