NGC 300, a tough subject!

[marco (Marco Lorenzi)]

Hi to all, I have just uploaded perhaps one of the most challenging object I had to process since many months. The target was NGC300, a very large galaxy but with very low superficial brightness and very little overall contrast, in particular in the core. Another great problem is the very little color of the arms and the core, even after some stretch all I still got was a pale yellow and cyan that makes the galaxy looking almost monochrome. Who tried to image this object I believe understand very well both difficulties.

I re-pro this image many times, at the end I got this result that, even if not completely satisfactory, still looks pleasant. I believe however some will find it already at the edge but it was very difficult to show all particularities of the core maintaining a natural overall looking

Here is the link:
http://www.glitteringlights.com/Imag...3_FTwXBZP-A-LB

If you have patience to wait for the loading I recommend the original full res version. The image is a crop of the original frame (about 75% is shown) and is an HaLRGB of 880 minutes total.

Hope you will like it.

As usual suggestions are welcome.

Clear Skies
Marco

[midnight (Darrin)]

You've got some fantastic star colours there Marco too!

I think you've done quite well and there are many fainter objects there too which gives it some depth.

I can't really comment on the details of processing but to me I like it very much as the stars really complement the presentation.

Darrin...

[gregbradley]

I think that's a good result Marco.

Great colours, you've kept the Ha blend unobtrusive. It is an unusual galaxy, much like M33 in that whilst it is a spiral it has a very vague form.

Greg.

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

This galaxy gives everyone who processes it some little nightmares I think.

This is just a theory but I think it is mostly because it just isn't your normal looking galaxy in the first place but we feel pressured to make it look like what we expect..?

Having said that, overall I like the look of your image, sure it isn't a show stopper like your Vela SNR but it shows some nice features and is pleasant to look at, so I would count it as a success

Mike

[Ross G]

Hi Marco,

A great galaxy photo.

Like Darrin, I don't yet understand how you processed it, however the detail, colours and composition are outstanding.

Thanks.

Ross.

[atalas]

Yes Marco,a toughie! you've done a great job on the galaxy and maybe some would say too great....I like it!

The background here would be plagued(for want of a better word)with IFN I believe, and hence the difficulty you've had on It....but I'm sure you realize that anyway.

Galaxy wise, I think It's amongst the best I've seen on this one.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Great shot. Lovely colors and saturation.

[Octane (Humayun)]

Mate, you are your own harshest critic!

To me, that is magically-beautiful.

I adore it!

Always look forward to your name popping up in this forum. A real pleasure to view your work.

H

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Puts my effort to shame! Needs a dark site! Great job

[marc4darkskies (Marcus)]

Really nice rendition of a tough target Marco - well done! Good FOV, detail and colour.

Suggest perhaps a little to much contrast for this object.

Cheers, Marcus

[John Hothersall]

This one takes forever to get enough signal and makes you want to give in but core and arms look solid. I have seen some get fainter arms a bit further out but this is pretty close to the best.

John.

[richardo (Rich)]

Hey Marco, yes, as mentioned, not the most dynamic of galaxies but it is worth the effort to have a good stab at it and see what us mere mortals can do from our backyards and meager gear.
As I've found, there are so many very faint stars that are its make up, which in turn give it the appearance that things are a bit fuzzy.
As many at first glance (and those who have never imaged it before) would think.
But that is the nature of this beast.. even with hours and hours put in.

Your image has great saturation to it and the Ha has done its thing with highlighting the HII knots.

all in all I think its a great rendition!

All the best
Rich

[RickC (Richard)]

Thats a beautiful galaxy image Marco,always admire your images
Richard

[prokyon (Werner Probst)]

A beautiful image, especially the colors are very nice!