NGC6559 Complex - 40D

[Tamtarn]

This is a complex of emission reflection dark and planetary nebulae. Overall it is quite dim and a challenge for a DSLR.

It was difficult for me to process as although David did a great job in capturing more than 3 hours of data the final stacked image was still quite dim. I have worked on the image for many hours and decided to post as is. I would like to start again from scratch sometime and see if I can improve it.

Barb

Details of the complex

IC 4685 a reflection nebula just to the right of centre
From left to right in the bottom arc of the complex
IC 4684 a small blue reflection nebula
IC 1274 reflection nebula
IC 1275 emission nebula
NGC 6559 red emission and blue reflection nebulae
B303 dark snake like nebula
PK 600-02 1 planetary nebula

Image details

Canon 40D unmodded
Celestron C9.25 with 6.3 focal reducer

19 lights 10min and 30 darks 10min ISO800

Larger size http://www.pbase.com/rangeviewobservatory/image/115211175/original

[telecasterguru (Frank)]

Barb and David,

That is an extraordinary image with so much happening. The data capture is first rate for such a large number of images. Processing looks fine to me.

Why 30 darks compared to 19 lights if you don't mind me asking.

Frank

[renormalised (Carl)]

Nice image

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Very smick indeed, smooth and detailed. Nice work with an UNmodded 40D.

[Hagar (Doug)]

Very nice work Guys, Lots of differing nebulosity in this complex. A real challenge to capture and a bigger challenge to process.
Beautifully captured and processed.
Well done.

[Tamtarn]

Originally Posted by telecasterguru

Barb and David,

That is an extraordinary image with so much happening. The data capture is first rate for such a large number of images. Processing looks fine to me.

Why 30 darks compared to 19 lights if you don't mind me asking.

Frank

Thanks for your comments Frank.

From my readings,several top imagers have suggested using a large amount of darks in order to better signal to noise ratio. It seems to help when the camera is running non stop for extended times gathering large amounts of data.

David

[h0ughy (David)]

wow that's impressive - love the colours and subtle hidden treasures

[gregbradley]

That's a stunner. And to get that result with an unmodified camera is even more impressive.

The 40D is more red sensitive than previous Canon models right out of the box.

A fabulous image, congrats.

Greg.

[DavidU (Dave)]

Barb & David
A fine capture right there ! Congrats to you both.

[Dennis]

Phew – another awesome image from the A-Team! The image is quite extraordinary and certainly reveals your individual skills and capabilities, along with how you harness them to produce such gorgeous images. I am totally impressed not only by the final result, but your dedication in producing such outstanding portraits.

Cheers

Dennis

[matt]

Wow.

Your images really are an inspiration.

I've got a C9.25 and unmodded 40D...and you sure are tempting me into making the journey from planetary imaging to DSO

Now...where to start?

[Octane (Humayun)]

Barb and David,

That is a superb image. It almost seems unreal; does that dreamy place actually exist in the sky? Fascinating.

You guys are producing some of the best DSLR astrophotography seen on this forum. I have watched your progression from pretty much day dot. You should be proud to note that you're both an inspiration to, I dare say, a lot of people. You are for me, at the very least.

Keep on bringin' the good stuff.

Regards,
Humayun

[rat156]

WOW, what a great image of a wonderful area.

Well done guys.

Cheers
Stuart

[Tamtarn]

Originally Posted by renormalised

Nice image

Thanks Carl

Originally Posted by Bassnut

Very smick indeed, smooth and detailed. Nice work with an UNmodded 40D.

Love our unmodded Frank

Originally Posted by Hagar

Very nice work Guys, Lots of differing nebulosity in this complex. A real challenge to capture and a bigger challenge to process.
Beautifully captured and processed.
Well done.

Comments much appreciated Doug

[Tamtarn]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

wow that's impressive - love the colours and subtle hidden treasures

The hidden treasures is what drew us to this one Houghy

[Alchemy (Clive)]

very nicely done, so close to m8 is probably why this area is overlooked, yet it contains a wealth of wonderful objects, if it was in a more isolated area it would be a must do object by everyone.

as always im suprised by the Ha sensitivity of this unmodded camera, the reflection nebulosityshows up extensively throughout the area.

yep nice work by the team

[multiweb (Marc)]

Love it! What a great picture. The blue nebs really stick out. Very good details and colors.

[Tamtarn]

Originally Posted by gregbradley

That's a stunner. And to get that result with an unmodified camera is even more impressive.
The 40D is more red sensitive than previous Canon models right out of the box.
A fabulous image, congrats.
Greg.

Thanks Greg. The 40D is more red sensitive for sure and using selective colour enhancements the red tones just seem to pop out easily.

Originally Posted by DavidU

Barb & David
A fine capture right there ! Congrats to you both.

Thanks for your comments David

Originally Posted by Dennis

Phew – another awesome image from the A-Team! The image is quite extraordinary and certainly reveals your individual skills and capabilities, along with how you harness them to produce such gorgeous images. I am totally impressed not only by the final result, but your dedication in producing such outstanding portraits.
Cheers
Dennis

Thank you for your kind words Dennis.
Thanks to this forum we feel we have both come a long way in just two years which is when we started prime focus imaging with our Pentax but we're both still learning and want to keep on improving

Originally Posted by matt

Wow.
Your images really are an inspiration.
I've got a C9.25 and unmodded 40D...and you sure are tempting me into making the journey from planetary imaging to DSO
Now...where to start?

Jump right into it Matt it's a great combo for DSO. With your artistic flair in your terrestrial photography and your planetary work you should handle the processing side well. Go for it

[Tamtarn]

Originally Posted by Octane

Barb and David,
That is a superb image. It almost seems unreal; does that dreamy place actually exist in the sky? Fascinating.

You guys are producing some of the best DSLR astrophotography seen on this forum. I have watched your progression from pretty much day dot. You should be proud to note that you're both an inspiration to, I dare say, a lot of people. You are for me, at the very least.
Keep on bringin' the good stuff.
Regards,
Humayun

Wow very kind words there Humayan.
Yes when we look back at our first images posted we realize how far we have come.

Looks like we will have to wait til next month for our next session . The weather here just seems to be cloud cloud and more cloud

Originally Posted by rat156

WOW, what a great image of a wonderful area.
Well done guys.
Cheers
Stuart

It sure is an interesting area Stuart. Glad you like it

Originally Posted by Alchemy

very nicely done, so close to m8 is probably why this area is overlooked, yet it contains a wealth of wonderful objects, if it was in a more isolated area it would be a must do object by everyone.
as always im suprised by the Ha sensitivity of this unmodded camera, the reflection nebulosityshows up extensively throughout the area.

yep nice work by the team

Appreciate you comments Clive.

Like you, the "team" is frustrated with the weather looks like another month before we get out again

[RobF (Rob)]

Beautiful area, stunning pic. Very well done indeed. Those dark dust areas have got to be tricky to bring out.