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Michael Scherman

M17 Swan-Omega Celestron C6 Hyperstar2

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M42 and M43 close-up

Started by Johannes Schedler, 02/11/2005 10:10AM
Posted 02/11/2005 10:10AM Opening Post
First light for the STL and the secondary focus of the 16" cassegrain
at f/10.

I have chosen this target, as the seeing was good, but the transparency very bad, so I decided to go for a "bright" object. Raw
FMHW was 2" and I took very short exposures for the center to avoid too much saturation in the stars for keeping them tight.
I was surprised about the relatively low distortions in the outer areas, no field corrector used.


Processing took quite a while, tried to preserve the right color balance, but increased saturation. Blending of the inner and outer areas was done carefully with several layers.
No deconvolution, only unsharp masking in different steps.

Higher resolution images and details you find here:
http://panther-observatory.com/gallery/deepsky/doc/M42H_cass.htm

enjoy,

Johannes



Attached Image:

Johannes Schedler's attachment for post 22158
Posted 02/11/2005 10:33AM #1
Beautiful!!

Tom

Starsearch Observatory
Lat 42N 47' 00" Long 112W 10' 47"
Elev 1752m
www.tvdavisastropics.com
Posted 02/11/2005 02:23PM #2
Wow, Johannes, that is incredible. The full size image is just amazing. The colors are dramatic, the dynamic range is impressive, and the stars aren't blown out or oversaturated.
My hat's off to you.

dan kowall
Posted 02/11/2005 03:53PM #3
Wonderful detail, and seemless blending of layers! Colours are very vibrant, not pushed too much. Thanks for the look!
Posted 02/11/2005 04:09PM #4
What a beautiful image! Thanks for sharing.

Cal
Posted 02/11/2005 04:10PM #5
Simply Wonderful, Johannes!
Excellent colors & detail.

Thank you!

Ivan Gastaldo 8)
Coconut Creek, FL

Ivan's Observatory
Lat 26N 16' 48" Long 80W 10' 48"
[COLOR="Red"]Personal Website:[/COLOR] http://www.ivangastaldo.com

CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky - Moderator
I like to complain about everything - Moderator
Posted 02/11/2005 05:18PM #6
Great shot Johannes!! Your handling of the data is seamless, and I like the saturation levels. The optics on that scope must be superb.

"The expression of the beautiful is in direct ratio to the power of perception acquired by the artist." (Gustave Courbet)
Posted 02/11/2005 05:25PM #7
Thats just a fabulous image. Thanks for sharing it.

John Krawczyk
Crownsville, MD

http://www.ardenastrophotography.com