M42 from a dark site

[jbloggz (Joe)]

Here's the Orion nebula I got a couple of days ago. It was my first attempt at a proper dark site (we're camping on the NSW north coast) and I'm quite impressed how it turned out. So much better than my attempt from the backyard last month. Any constructive criticism is always appreciated.

• 35 x 120s subs @ ISO 1600
• no darks or flats (lazy I know), but i did use my master bias
• Processed completely in PixInsight

[raymo]

Superb Joe; now you need some very short subs so you can quieten down
the blown out Trapezium.
raymo

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

That's great!!

[jbloggz (Joe)]

Originally Posted by raymo

now you need some very short subs

I actually have some shorter subs I took last month. I might try those and see how it turns out. When I was playing with it last night I thought I liked the blown out core, but looking at it again this morning I think I've changed my mind. I also would like to boost the saturation a bit, it looks a bit dull now.

[thebonz]

This looks great especially at xmas. I can see a beautiful santa beard with lots of detail and some hard worn discoloration. Thumbs up

[raymo]

I agree about the saturation. You will need very short subs to layer with,
around 15-30 secs.
raymo

[multiweb (Marc)]

Very nicely done.

[Stonius (Markus)]

Looks lovely! I notice there is an unusual diffraction spike pattern that is different from the standard cross. I quite like it - it's a little bit Michael Bay. Makes the stars look super bright. How did you do it?

Markus

[jbloggz (Joe)]

Originally Posted by Stonius

Looks lovely! I notice there is an unusual diffraction spike pattern that is different from the standard cross.

Thanks, if you're talking about how all the bright stars have those uneven flares (which seem to point to the centre of the frame), then it is completely unintentional and I have no idea why they appear or how to get rid of them. My best guess is that they are caused by some leftover coma that the corrector hasn't fully removed.