NGC 2359 Thor's Helmet

[assbutt94]

Decided to stop lurking and add 5 hours of Thor's helmet to the forum. I chose this target over Rosette and horsehead.
Background noise always seems to be an issue. I suspect I'm too conservative with noise reduction while still linear and thus I have to do more noise reduction later after stretching which doesn't work as well? The background extraction could have been better, OIII had some nasty "amp glow" like signal coming in from the edges of the frame.
As always, I appreciate criticism and nit-picking

HR and acquisition details: https://www.astrobin.com/6h2l3t/

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

nice work Nathan, you've got some good data, my suggestion would be to see a less pushed version rather - no need to go for every single background photon - you can end up with a more natural looking pic imo.

keep up the good work,
cheers

russ

[Wilsil (Wilco)]

That is an amazing image.
Great job.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Very smooth. Top shelf.

[Karlz (Karl)]

Love the detail, nice work.

[Robert_T]

well for what it's worth I dont find the noise bothersome at all...and the image and fine structure and palette is superb...well done !

[ChrisV (Chris)]

That's a really nice image - processed really well

[assbutt94]

Thanks very much guys.
Ive taken my last image and opened up curves again to reduce dark through mid range areas and it definitely helps a bit. I can still retain some of the subtle color without it looking so noisy.

If (more like when) more data is collected, and another edit is on the cards, noise reduction while linear will be stronger, the stretch will be more conservative, and hopefully the result will retain more detail in the bright areas while still getting smooth faint background and dim nebulosity. High signal areas can be boosted further with curves.

I may reupload the new version with tweaks to astrobin after i try a small star reduction.

Thanks again for the comments

[Zuts]

Fantastic image, I would really like to bag that one .

[Startrek (Martin)]

Superb image , deserves to be in Deep Space section without a doubt
Frame this one
Well done !!!