Bubble +Lobster Claw + M57 HOO

[STEVE333]

This image has been a lesson in perseverance. After a month on no images because of fire smoke, clouds and/or fog I was able on Sep 2nd to capture some Ha data on this target. Unfortunately there was some smoke, and, it was a full moon. The combination of full moon and smoke raised the LP to about 5x the normal level, so, the Ha data was noisy. The smoke then prevented any imaging until Friday night when the smoke level improved to the point where I could again see stars. This time there was no moon, so, I tried for Oiii data. Although the LP was down the scattering was still pretty bad and all the stars had "halos". Still, at least it was possible to capture some data.

Because of the problems the processing was tricky. The image below is the final result. It looks ok if you don't look too closely. After seeing Martin's beautiful version of these targets I'm almost ashamed to post mine. However, it was a lot of work, so here it is.

24x600sec Ha
24x600 sec Oiii
Apt, PHD2, PixInsight

HOO_Mottle by STEPHEN KING, on Flickr

Thanks for looking,

Steve

[Juno16]

Really glad that you got out Steve! I’m sure you are too.

That is really a nice image. I love the field.

Since you mentioned not to look too closely, of course I had to. Definitely see what you mean about the stars.

You managed a beautiful image despite the tough conditions. Very well done!

Been raining lightly here for 48 hours straight without a break so far. No break in sight.

Thanks for sharing your image!

[BABOafrica]

Fine detail work there...

That one was worth waiting for. Excellent. Hope you get many more opportunities to get out under a clear sky.

BABO

[MariusD69]

Looks great! Very well done, Steve!!

[Jockinireland]

Absolutely nothing to be ashamed about there Steve - its a great image.

[Greenman]

Absolutely nothing to be ashamed about there Steve - its a great image.

Seconded!

[Mac]

Great capture Steve... one to be proud of.

[Gordon]

Congratulations Steve on having your image selected as todays TSS APOD!

app.php/article/9-21-2020-tss-astrophot ... of-the-day

[Ruud]

An APOD! And well deserved too, it's a wonderful image. Awesome job, Steve!

[helicon]

Congrats on a great image Steve. Nice processing as well, glad that you won today's APOD.

[STEVE333]

Congratulations Steve on having your image selected as todays TSS APOD!

app.php/article/9-21-2020-tss-astrophot ... of-the-day

Thanks Gordon and the team. I'm surprised but delighted to have this image chosen as the APOD. I love this hobby and am always pleased when others enjoy my efforts. You just made my day!

Cheers,

Steve

[Makuser]

Hi Steve. This is an excellent image of the Bubble and Lobster Claw. Me, I only do lunar and planetary photography, so I greatly appreciate the costly filters, the many hours of recording data, and the meticulous stacking and processing that you DSO imagers perform to achieve these beautiful results. Very nice work on your capture Steve, and congratulations on winning the TSS APOD Award today.

[OzEclipse]

Hi Steve,

Congratulations on completing this project despite considerable obstacles.
This is a really excellent image and very deserved recipient of the APOD.

Regards

Joe

[XCalRocketMan]

Steve, that's a wonderful image. I know you pointed out all the issues with getting some decent data, but this is a fine image. And congrats on the TSS APOD.

[mbenjaminz28]

Looks great to me! Thank you.

[JohnP_1]

Looks great Steve. I'm used to a wider field of view on this one. Well done.

[TheButcher]

Excellent Once Again Steve! And Congrats on the APOD!

[STEVE333]

Thanks all for the kind comments. Much appreciated.

Steve