Trifid Nebula

[Cimitar (Evan)]

I really tried to put into practice some of the tips I read recently in an Astronomy Magazine article where it spoke about presenting your images in the best possible way (e.g. creating the illusion of depth, framing, rule of thirds, ensuring you don't have galaxies upside down etc), so I enjoyed processing this whilst trying to find the best orientation with the final image.

I still think my stars leave a lot to be desired, however, overall I'm pretty happy with how the rest of it turned out.
I'm also keen to see if I can convert it into a stereo 3D image, I think the dust lanes might help enhance the effect.

8" Meade LX200ACF, f/7
Canon 600D (stock)
x20 180sec ISO 1600
x12 flats, no darks
Guided, dither every frame

[h0ughy (David)]

You must be happy with that result

[Capella_Ben (Ben)]

Nice result.

How is your focus? A batinov mask might help. Maybe that is why the stars are a bit bloated.

Keep experimenting. I have found that a lot of practice really helps.

[RyanJones]

Hi Evan

Beautiful shot ! Well done !

Do you have a reference for the article. Which magazine, issue, artical title so others can have a read ?

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

Beautiful image Evan!

[xelasnave]

Great job you certainly have given it a 3d feel.
Alex

[Cimitar (Evan)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

You must be happy with that result

Cheers David

Originally Posted by Capella_Ben

Nice result.

How is your focus? A batinov mask might help. Maybe that is why the stars are a bit bloated.

Keep experimenting. I have found that a lot of practice really helps.

Thanks Ben. I have a bahtinov mask and I'm pretty sure I used it that night. The focus may have shifted slightly and, unfortunately, I don't think I was using the microfocuser that night.

Originally Posted by RyanJones

Hi Evan

Beautiful shot ! Well done !

Do you have a reference for the article. Which magazine, issue, artical title so others can have a read ?

Cheers Ryan. Not off hand sorry, I remember the mag title was "Astronomy". I'll dig around in my small collection to see if I can find the exact article. Hopefully I haven't thrown it out!

[Cimitar (Evan)]

Originally Posted by cometcatcher

Beautiful image Evan!

Thanks Kevin

Originally Posted by xelasnave

Great job you certainly have given it a 3d feel.
Alex

Cheers Alex, contrast with the dust lanes was a fun challenge