Eagle Nebula M16

[swannies1983 (Dan)]

This is my first attempt at M16. I welcome any feedback. I have only been imaging for a week and I have to say, I am enjoying it immensely!

Details
Scope: 8" Newt
Mount: EQ6
Camera: Canon 400D (unmodded)
ISO: 1600
Exposures: 19x1.5mins (28.5mins total). This is all done unguided.

Stacked in DSS and PS CS3 to adjust levels and curves. I only have started using PS for post image processing. I did initially struggle a bit with the colours. This has to do with the fact that RAW files are assigned as grey 16 bit images in DSS and the final stacked image is grey. I was informed that I could just increase saturation to reveal details either in DSS or PS. I couldn't get the colours working in PS as the whole sky was turning red. I think I got something that looks fairly good but there's no doubt more processing that could be done. Not sure if I've overdone the red.

Stars round enough. I have no coma corrector.

Large version of image. Probably best to just look at this one.

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

Can't complain at that, I think it's remarkable for someone who's been doing it a week.
You'll soon find your way round paint shop - and DSS - just keep practising and reading between the lines here....

[jase (Jason)]

I'd be giving yourself a pat on the back Dan. Nothing like jumping off the deep end and enjoying the ride!

Your image is a solid start with a pleasing result. I suspect your processing workflow is letting you down however. At what point are you debayering the RAW data? Perhaps explain the steps you are using and others maybe able to comment. Background neutralisation may also work to your advantage.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Nicely done.

[swannies1983 (Dan)]

Thanks for the comments. As requested, these are my steps:

1. 1) Load .CR2 light and dark files into DSS. I as yet haven't done any flat or offset/bias files
2. Register pictures, adjusting star detection threshold to get around 50 stars. I'm not sure exactly how many is necessary. Some say 15, others say 50 or <100
3. I use mosaic mode and median for lights. I don't select anything in the cosmetic tab
4. Click ok to start the registering and stacking.
5. This gives me a dark "grey" file
6. This is where I have been told to line up the RGB histogram towards the left 1/3 and then increase saturation to around 20%
7. I have also been told I can simply save the registered/stacked file as a TIF file and process it in PS.
8. If I do it this way, I follow the instructions in this youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnPII6YdVBc
9. In addition to following these instructions, I have increased the saturation in PS

That's all I have been doing at the moment so any advice would be great

[Ross G]

Looks really good Dan.

You'll go a long way.


Ross.

[jase (Jason)]

Dan, your routine should work well. Not sure if you've searched these forums but there is a wealth of information available that numerous people have contributed to. Here is one such post that may point you in the right direction to confirm what you are doing is optimal.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=25495

[swannies1983 (Dan)]

Thanks Jase. I have searched around and there's certainly a lot out there. I have tried a second round of processing and I think it's looking better. I wasn't happy with the red. I'm still not sure if the colour still needs working on though.

Large image here

[jase (Jason)]

Colours are looking more balanced Dan. Not sure if you're going to get much more out of the data set. You need longer subs than 90s. Keep at it.

[swannies1983 (Dan)]

Originally Posted by jase

Colours are looking more balanced Dan. Not sure if you're going to get much more out of the data set. You need longer subs than 90s. Keep at it.

Yeah, being unguided, I might be pushing it. I was able to get up to 3mins in one sub but the remaining 5 were garbage (star trails). 90-120secs is my limit, depending on how well I'm polar aligned and if the balance is right. Hmmm...I might have to ask santa for some guiding equipment