Horsehead and Flame Nebula - My Version

[Juno16]

No matter what the process, this pair are truly some of the finest sights in the night sky.

I imaged these targets for the first time last year with my DSLR. This is my second try.

The data was collected over two evenings last week using my ASI 533 mc pro and L-Enhance filter.
Six hours of integration with 120 second exposures at a gain of 104.

The data looks decent, but I am sure that there is much more that can be revealed. I am stopping here for now until I gain more experience with Pixinsight.

I came up with two processes. The first is a 15 minute quick bash through Photoshop just to see what was a there. Actually, I like this process.

The second is several hours working through some very basic processes in Pixinsight. I produced the base image in PI and added a few final tweaks in Photoshop.

I like this process too and I do like the way that the Pixinsight hdrmultiscaletransform process somewhat tamed Alnitak enabling a glimpse of its binary.

I appreciate any comments and thanks for looking!

[bobharmony]

That is some very nice data, Jim, and a pair of fine processes. To me there are aspects of both that I like. In the first runthrough the reflection nebulae seem to come out better than the PI version. On the other hand the detail of the Flame and the vibrance of the Ha around the Horsehead is fabulous in the PI result. It is always difficult to make these processing choices, now if there was a way to mash them together!

Bob

[messier 111]

they are both extraordinary, I prefer the second I find the details more vivid, thx.

[Juno16]

That is some very nice data, Jim, and a pair of fine processes. To me there are aspects of both that I like. In the first runthrough the reflection nebulae seem to come out better than the PI version. On the other hand the detail of the Flame and the vibrance of the Ha around the Horsehead is fabulous in the PI result. It is always difficult to make these processing choices, now if there was a way to mash them together!

Bob

I have a lot to learn about both applications!

Once I get more proficient at using masks, I will be better able to process specific areas of an image more effectively.

Thank you very much for your nice comments Bob!

[kt4hx]

Very nice Jim. Since I am not an imager and have no knowledge of the processes involved, I only look at them for the aesthetics that please me. I prefer the first image because of the enhancement to the reflection nebulae, as Bob mentions. Regarding the Flame, there is something about the first one that I prefer as well. It is kind of hard to describe other than to my eye it just seems more natural - if that makes any sense?

[Graeme1858]

They're both good Jim. The taming of Alnitak in the second one gives it an edge I'd say.

I'm looking forward to a clear night or two on these this winter.

Regards

Graeme

[Juno16]

Thanks a bunch M111 @messier 111. Me too.

Thanks for your nice comments and opinion! It does make sense Alan @kt4hx . Processing deep sky is interesting because there are so many different directions to go and even more choices when you get there. That goes for multiple parts of an image. If you look up images of these targets on Google images, you know what I mean.
I’m just glad that I got somewhere with Pixinsight!

Me too Graeme @Graeme1858 . Alnitak can be tough (at least that is what I hear).
Looking forward to your image! They are both beautiful targets.
Thanks for your nice comment.

Jim

[Jockinireland]

Hi Jim,

Those are both fantastic and honestly I could not pick one over the other. Glad to see you are getting some clear sky at last, and really getting to grips with your 533.

[MariusD69]

Great images! Well done, Jim! I prefer image #1. In PI version, the background is a little too dark and some nebulosity are lost.

[Gordon]

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

app.php/article/12-15-2020-tss-astropho ... of-the-day

[Mac]

Great image and congrats on the APOD

[Astrovetteman]

Hey Jim, both are great but I tend to go with #2 also. Congrats on the APOD, well deserved!
Tom

[Greenman]

Nice that you can divide options. I like aspects of both, but mostly your skill with a newly acquired camera. Congrats on the APOD Jim!

[starfield]

Really nice capture, Jim. I guess if I had to pick one I'd go with the first one. I like the color on the flame a bit more. Congrats on the APOD

[Juno16]

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

app.php/article/12-15-2020-tss-astropho ... of-the-day

Thanks a bunch Gordon! @Gordon . Always cool to have a new flair!

Thanks David @Jockinireland , Maruis @MariusD69 , Steve @Mac, Tom @Astrovetteman , and Tony @Greenman !

Seems like a split group as far as which image process is better which I really like. I will probably use both PS and PI together for awhile until I get more comfortable with Pixinsight (years!).

Thanks again all!

[helicon]

Really nice Jim. I can't decide whether I like the first one better than the second, or the other way around. Both are excellent.

[Jockinireland]

Yay!
Congrats on the APOD Jim. Well deserved.

[John Donne]

Wonderful, Jim!
Merry Christmas!

[Ruud]

Yeah, well done! Congrats on the APOD!

[Ylem]

I am also not an imager, both are nice, I kinda prefer the first one, the blue stands out nicely.