M27 H-Alpha Enhanced

Tyler had recently posted a great close up of M27. I had recently exposed this object and got some H-Alpha exposures on it as well. I used the H-Alpha to combine in with the luminance. I thought it gave some contrast to the red. I wish I could have captured more of the subtle greens.

I have attached a midsized thumbnail, but a full size image as well as exposure and processing details can be accessed at:

http://jthommes.com/Astro/Dumbell.htm

Take a look at the full size image by clicking the image on the above page (which is displayed at 800x600 instead of the full 1392x1040).

Scope was my C8 at f/10, Camera was the Artemis285

Total exposure time was 52 minutes

Attached Image:

You have some excellent detail there, Jim, especially for an 8" scope. I agree, getting the 'proper' teal color for M 27 isn't always easy. I took your image into Photoshop and it looks like you have some of the outer envelope lurking there. I would assume from the Ha data?
Great job.

dan kowall

That's a very nice M27 Jim! I agree that less blue and more "green" would likely bring out the OIII regions and its teal color better, but your detail and dynamic range are excellent.

Tom

Thanks to all for your comments.

Tom, Ii feel like I did get some good detail and range. I think the lack of Teal is attributable to my RGB filters. My green exposure shows very low intensity in the nebula. I am using home mage Edmund Optics dichroic RGB filters and I think my green doesn't have the proper OIII overlap. Maybe a good RGB set should be my next purchase?

Stuart, you got some good green in your RGB plus a range of color with your other mixes. What makes of filters are you using?

WONDERFUL! 8)

Gee whiz that is impressive for a C8. It must have very sharp optics. It looks like that was shot through an AP 155.

Greg.

Beautiful image Jim.... as usual!