M83 - Southern Pinwheel Galaxy

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi all

Here's an image of M83, something I've wanted to do for a very long time. I'm pleased that I've now finally got the equipment, and the technique to take an image of this beautiful galaxy.

I feel I've made some sort of breakthrough in my DSO imaging in this last lot of clear skies.. I've finally recognised that I need to spend MORE time drift aligning, MORE time capturing the data (more lights!!) and MORE time in processing.

This is the first image that I feel i've given the time it deserves in processing - most likely because it's the first time I've had the good raw data to begin with. I used lots of layer masks during processing to process the galaxy and the background independantly, and to not clip any highlights or clip the blackpoint.

Taken on the 4th March, with an unmodded Canon 350D + ED80 + WO 0.8x reducer. Guided through an Achro with a DMK + PHD guiding.

17x 4 minute exposures, ISO800, ICNR used. Flats calibrated in ImagesPlus.
Align TSR and Adaptive Add combined in ImagesPlus. ImagePlus and Photoshop for processing.

I've attached a full frame (minor cropping around the edge) 800px wide version, as well as a full-pixel crop of the galaxy itself. However the best view can be seen on this 1200px wide, less compressed version:

M83 - Southern Pinwheel Galaxy

Click on the image to see the full size.

Thanks for looking, comments/suggestions welcome.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Bit of a killer shot 'eh Mike.

[RB (Andrew)]

Excellent result Mike.

Originally Posted by iceman

I feel I've made some sort of breakthrough in my DSO imaging in this last lot of clear skies.. I've finally recognised that I need to spend MORE time drift aligning, MORE time capturing the data (more lights!!) and MORE time in processing.

You can't beat taking time to do it right.

Very important to get accurate polar alignment, spend the time to get lots of light frames and to applying flats.

I find it's better to concentrate on one or two objects rather than have a whole list to want to do in one night, you'll be rewarded in the end.

You've done a great job on this one and you're DSO skills are coming along in leaps and bounds.

[Garyh]

That is a excellent result Mike!
It does certainly pay to spend a good hour or more on a image..
Nice and sharp as well and low noise!
Only thing I can see is that the image is just a tad red.
I have adjusted the levels to get the background a more neutral color and slightly lightened it also till the background RGB values are in the mid 20`s. Maybe that is too light for some but I find DSO`s look nicer when the background isn`t too dark. My personal tastes
Keep at it! you have come far very quick.
cheers Gary

[Ric]

Great image Mike, the spiral arms have come up a treat.

Cheers

[sheeny (Al)]

Very well done, Mike!

Al.

[jase (Jason)]

Not bad Mike. M83 appears to have an aqua tint to it. Not sure what happened there as the histograms look clean. Perhaps a slight adjustment to the colour balance highlights in magenta and yellow may assist. Keep at it.

Cheers

[acropolite (Phil)]

A fine effort Mike, you're obviously going to achieve a high standard with DSO's just as you have with planetary

[EzyStyles (Eric)]

great shot mike. the original uncropped version looks nice with the open fov and alot of stars around it.

[Matty P (Matt)]

A great effort Mike. Your DSO images are really coming along nicely.
Very well done.

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I agree with Eric that the wide field uncropped version looks nice. Great progress, mate.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Mike, guiding and colour balance is good (IMO), but a bit wide field, without the reducer might be better, the cropped version is a bit pixelated and scrappy. Your on the way tho, nice to see

[Tamtarn]

The time and effort spent on this image has certainly produced great results Mike. Would have to be your best DSO.

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated.

The cropped version of the galaxy itself wasn't meant to be presented as a great image, there just isn't enough focal length in my setup to present the galaxy on its own. But I did enjoy seeing the barred spiral and of course it makes me want more focal length

I'm hoping the addition of an IDAS LPS filter will help with colour balance and noise in the background. I haven't ordered it yet but it's very close Most of my imaging is done from my backyard so it'll definitely help there.

I'm enjoying the challenge of DSO imaging.. the real challenge will come in about a month when Jupiter isn't a dawn object anymore, and will really present a night-time choice - planetary or deep-space At least planetary can be done when there's a moon about.

Thanks again. More images from the last 2 weeks coming soon.