Science, pretty pictures or whatever we want to call our offerings, one thing can't be underestimated, the last two repro's are quite simply wonderful.
Easy to get lost in, and very subtle differences and show a level of dedication in capture and skill in the processing.
In the end we all spend a considerable amount of time doing what we do, because we enjoy it. The learning curve; or should I say for me the learning steep mountain continues at different levels for us all and I for one will continue to post my tired eye versions that quickly get repro'd.
For me, watching the evolution from capture to final production holds its own fascination, it's not that long ago terms like "stretching", "levels and curves" and "selective sharpening" meant absolutely nothing to me.
We're all on a journey, one that we all entered into voluntarily, so let's not get to technical, experiment, show others and continue on what I can see will be a lifelong curve of improvement.
Well Doug, regardless of the color balance/science? debate, you have captured a wonderfully crisp and detailed image and have manipulated the data nicely.
I reckon the color balance is a more personal choice thing...
If Martins, Tom or Kens or Mikes etc etc looked exactly the same in color balance wouldn`t that be boring ?
Geeze Doug, I think the moderators are going to have to add "no posts about colours" to the banned list. It all comes down to exactly why a particular individual is involved in this persuit as well I think. To expand on that, I think both your images are fantastic to look at AND they are full of detail and if they were mine, Ide consider the time I spent collecting the data worthwhile. Everyone has their own take on images for sure, you yourself have even had a shift from your original critique, so these things are a changeable feast. Seems a pity that for some a technical viewpoint is first and the vista is a very secondary consideration, but its all about why one takes astrophoto's isnt it. Passion is a truely a force to be reckoned isnt it.
Had a play with your TIFF file, there is really good data there, don't see anything wrong with using HA in this as come up a treat IMO but other so called knowledgable people may think different but DILLIGAF, hope you like
) 
