m16 comments pls - new data

[MarkInSpace (Mark)]

Here is my M16 from last night. As usual, clouds rolled in, so i'm ha heavy.
GSO 250mm Newt
CEM 70
ASIair
asi2600mm
20X 300s ha
14 x 300s oiii
7 x 300s sii

Trying to gather more data tonight, but I doubt if it will make much difference.
Comments very welcome.

[Dave882 (David)]

That’s a beautiful eagle Mark! Fantastic detail, and the pillars are stunning! If I would make a suggestion I think a little more contrast / dynamic range will help the main pillars stand out from the background a little more. Great work!

[AlexN]

Thats looking amazing, Mark.

I think you'll find adding more OIII would help some, but how much? I'd say not a lot, but SII doesn't make too much of an appearance in narrowband M16's (from my experience)

I'm a big fan of this how it is to be honest, and as much as more data is always nice, I don't know you're gonna get much out of 6 more OIII subs...

My only thoughts would be that the dark structures near the tip of the pillars could be a bit darker, it has a bit of a green cast over it, which is understandable given the disparity between the channels, and the fact that this is a VERY Ha heavy region...

[Astromad (Peter)]

very awesome work nice and crisp

[Startrek (Martin)]

Mark,
Nice M16
Some contrast in the core area would highlight the Pillars and outer rim
More data would definitely improve your SNR after stacking and allow more flexibility in Processing with things like your global stretch , sharpening, HDR , deconvolution and many other tools.
SNR is key to any Astrophotography image no matter how dim or bright the image is or the level of quality of the data set.
We always want more data but mother nature’ controls that side of the hobby.
Well done !!!
Martin

[MarkInSpace (Mark)]

on the next clear night I will get more subs and revisit processing.

[MarkInSpace (Mark)]

I've updated data with an additional 2 hours each of ha, sii, oiii.
I'm not very good at masking, but here is a closeup of the pillars.
Can anyone recommend a good PI tutorial for processing M16 or this type of nebula?

[AlexN]

That update looks awesome Mark!

I don't have any specific tutorials, but I'd be looking at Seti Astro's statistical stretch to help to bring some contrast in during the initial stretch.

Scripts -> utilities -> dark structure enhance
May provide some stronger definition in the pillars

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Really like the new update Mark, the details in the pillars are great

One thing, looks to be some variability in the resolution, or crispness in some details, across the FOV, Hmm?..I am thinking perhaps your masking has applied the sharpening filter a little unevenly? What sharpening/decon did you use?

Mike

[MarkInSpace (Mark)]

Thanks Mike.
Time for me to be embarrassed- I don’t know how to effectively use masks.
In version 2 I exported to photoshop duplicated the image and used “multiply”.
In version 3 here, I manually applied the photoshop burn tool.

[Startrek (Martin)]

Mark,
Nothing wrong with this version , excellent detail and the pillars are well resolved
Maybe just a slightly darker background
Well done !!
Martin
PS: I use Startools so can’t help you with PS or Pi

[Bodon (Steve)]

Mark
Really nice!


Mate no guru. I tend to oversharp..Only been using PI for a year.
Im probably teaching you to suck eggs...


You can use ACDNR and Range selection for the mask.
ACDNR; you will need to invert the mask when applied.



Apply a mask to your area and you can sharpen with HDRMultiscaleTransform. Lower the number, tad more harsh. Tick intensity. Change numbers till happy.


When you are happy overall and near completed; hit the luminance button. On the luminance photo; darken it using auto on the histogram or darken it a tad and apply MLT to it. Blur your coloured photo now with convolution and use lrgb combination using the luminance.
MultiscaleLinearTransform
use layer 2 +0.100
Use layer 3 +0.030


You can use imageintergration and use master lights as well for a luminance

Official PI video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upeNoiyFR7M&t=88s

[Dave882 (David)]

That’s a brilliant rendition of the pillars. Detail and clarity is excellent. Pallet is great. Framing is perfect. Bravo!

[astronobob (Bob)]

Very Good adjustment to them pillars. Real nice rendition color palette too .