M-78: A very hard object

[nandopg]

Hello my friends,
There you have my very best effort to image M-78, what a hard object. I think I am still going to capture 8 hours more of luminance, but that is all. I can't say that I am not happy with the result but ....

Let's see when I have some sky to capture more data and add some extra luminance if the overall result gets better.

For this image as it is I already have the following:
Luminance: 22x20minutes

RGB:
8x15minutes + 8x15minutes bin2x2 (for each channel)

Narrow Band:
Ha: 5x30minutes to create Luminance=(30%*Ha+70%*L) and Red=(30%Ha*70%*Red).
O3: 5x30minutes to create Green=(20%*O3+80*green) and Blue=(40%*O3+60%blue)


The link for the full resolution image is here: http://www.astrobin.com/full/71284/B/

Thanks for looking,

Fernando

[Ross G]

Hi Fernando,

A great looking M78.

I like the colours and the subtle tones and detail you have produced.

Nice composition as well.

It is a difficult object to image. I have tried a couple of times but not been happy with the results.

However, I think it is one of the sky's most beautiful objects and well worth the trouble.

Good luck.

Ross.

[LewisM]

I have been TRYING to image M78 for 2 months now. Only got 2hr30 min data on it so far (see my own picture post).

Processing it is not difficult, but VERY time consuming. I believe by memory my latest reprocess involved a total of 15 layer masks etc to keep things from blowing out etc. Keeping the core in the main nebulosity from blowing out is not tricky, but again requires masking and layering. Brining out the true colours was the big challenge - the blues, reds, ochres and deep blacks.

I just hope I can get at least 3 hours on it before the end of the Orion season. I managed 2 x 15 min Ha subs the other night, and they added a BUNCH of colour and faint stuff, but it's still very noisy.

I like your image, a LOT - good field. I have a narrow field on mine - wouldn't mind expanding it a bit (mosaic...who said that? )

[Spookyer (Brett)]

I find this a very interesting object, especially the centre of the object.

Great capture.

Brett

[anu5480 (Anu)]

Beautiful photo... nice work!

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

A fine M78 Fernando, I can see it must have been a lot of work but the final result is very pleasing to look at, well done

Mike

[stevous67 (Steve M)]

It's a fine effort Fernando. Thanks for sharing your processing approach.

Steve

[nandopg]

I would like to thank you guys for the generous comments, they are an outstanding fuel toward the improvement.

LewsM: If you like, I can share my fits with you so that you can complete your work. In this case I would send you the RGB and Luminance in linear state. Let me know if you really want the files and I will send you a link for downloading them.

Thanks again and best regards to all,

Fernando

[alpal]

Hi Fernando,
A very nice image indeed.
It could have perhaps done with some background flattening
as per the function called "automatic background flatten for nebulas "
found in the program Fitswork4.

cheers
Allan