Tarantula in bicolour

[Paul Haese]

I have been collecting data on the tarantula for a few weeks now and thought I would produce a preliminary image of this well imaged object with the data I currently possess. My plan is to produce an image with full NB and RGB data at some point in the coming months. There is lots of time available to produce a very deep image.

This image contains 16.3 hours of data which is mainly Ha at 720 minutes. The OIII component contains 260 minutes. There is still quite a lot of noise in the back ground in both data sets, so I will be collecting data to minimise the visible noise. There is an odd magenta cast in the core of the image which will be dealt with in the finished image. I am not totally sold on this colour palette but using bi-colour only there is limited choice as to what looks better over another.

Some really interesting knots of dust and gas are visible in the image and I have also captured the are where 1987A is located. Though I don't think it can be made out with any clarity. This object is in my top 3 images to view through a telescope. I particularly like viewing the cluster in the centre which I hope is fairly clear in this image.

Click here for high resolution image.

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

some very nice detail coming through Paul especially in the lower right. looking forward to the final image.

cheers

[RickS (Rick)]

Fantastic detail, Paul!

[Ryderscope (Rodney)]

There is some amazing detail coming through there Paul.
I can even see small stars well resolved in the core.
A very nice even distribution of colours extending outward from the bright core as well.
Am looking forward to watching this project.

[Placidus (Mike and Trish)]

Superb, Paul. Ultra-sharp but at the same time subtle. Nothing burned out. A great balance between core and periphery.

True natural colour looks remarkably like abdominal surgery, all red and purple. For bicolour NB I far prefer the kind of colour scheme you've chosen.

Best,
Mike

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

That is really sharp Paul. What a treat!
Graham

[IanP]

Originally Posted by RickS

Fantastic detail, Paul!

+++++1

[John K]

Hi Paul,

The level of detail you are capturing is quite amazing. I just compared your image, which from what you say is incomplete yet, with that of a 32 inch, and your image is quite on par in terms of detail (http://www.chart32.de/index.php/nebulae-n)

Clear skies and look forward to the final result.

John K.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Amazingly sharp and colourful shot. Very well resolved. One of the best I've seen of this area.

[topheart]

I especially love the way the outer regions are portrayed - great detail!

Cheers,
Tim

[Stevec35 (Steve)]

Looks good already Paul. The final version should be superb.

Cheers

Steve

[Atmos (Colin)]

It is looking fantastic already Paul, the end product is going to be fantastic I am sure!

[Paul Haese]

Thanks chaps for the comments. Much appreciated.

Originally Posted by Placidus

Superb, Paul. Ultra-sharp but at the same time subtle. Nothing burned out. A great balance between core and periphery.

True natural colour looks remarkably like abdominal surgery, all red and purple. For bicolour NB I far prefer the kind of colour scheme you've chosen.

Best,
Mike

Thanks Mike, the sharpening techniques I have been using are working for me I think. I often see images that look quite sharpened and a little over. I found it can be a difficult balance to get that right most of the time. If only this messy atmosphere did not move like it does.

Personally I am not a fan of the green look myself but this is sort of what came out of the compiling. I just ramped up the colour saturation a bit and tried to manage the wild magenta in the core. It's what I call a quick and dirty knock up. I really liked the detailing and thought it worthwhile to post it up for that reason alone.

I expect it will be a few months before I have finished the image and post that up, unless I get a 5-10 clear nights in a row soon. I really want to collect as much data as I can to smooth out the noise in the outer regions and strengthen that detail too. By which time the central regions should be easier to manage sharpening. It's a plan. Some will think it is going over the top but I don't have a fast scope or one with a huge diameter so I have to plan differently to obtain smooth results.

Originally Posted by John K

Hi Paul,

The level of detail you are capturing is quite amazing. I just compared your image, which from what you say is incomplete yet, with that of a 32 inch, and your image is quite on par in terms of detail (http://www.chart32.de/index.php/nebulae-n)

Clear skies and look forward to the final result.

John K.

Thanks John, that is a cracking image which I think is sharper than mine and I would expect so given the location. Much deeper too. The core stars are quadrupled compared to mine. At full res the nebula is highly detailed and sharp. Mine is similar as you suggest but not quite as good. Still not bad for a 12".

[Slawomir (Suavi)]

Lovely detail and nice processing allowing for a natural look. I agree, green is not my favourite in this image but I am certain as you collect more data you will find colours that are even more pleasing. Looking forward to your completed project.

[gregbradley]

Nice and sharp Paul.

Greg.

[LucasB (Lucas)]

Nice image Paul. The amount of data you collect is astounding!
Lucas