Elephant's Trunk Nebula - Pseudo NB Processing

[STEVE333]

This same data was used for both images below, and, was collected with the STC Duo-Narrowband Filter. Earlier I posted a processed version of this data using standard DSLR processing (see second image below). It turned out nice, but, the Elephants Trunk doesn't stand out very well.

I have reprocessed the data (NB processing?) by separating the Ha (Red channel) and the Oiii (sum of Green and Blue channels). I then combined the Ha and Oiii using PixInsight's PixelMath. I'm still very new at this, and, the results aren't great, but, I'm having fun.

NB Processed Image



DSLR Processed Image


Thanks for looking,

Steve

[OzEclipse]

Interesting technique and nice capture Steve. The CEM40 seems to be working well for you!
Joe

[STEVE333]

Interesting technique and nice capture Steve. The CEM40 seems to be working well for you!
Joe

Thanks Joe - The CEM40 is working great.

The "NB" processing is interesting to say the least. It definitely allows me to bring out some structures (like the Elephant's Trunk) that don't stand out using normal processing. However, right now I still don't have a handle on it. A work in progress so to speak.

Steve

[OzEclipse]

I've been interested & glad to see your success with the CEM. I spent several frustrating years struggling with an iEQ45pro. Drive was reasonably accurate for that price point ~±15" but GOTO was terrible. I mean really terrible. At it's best, it could only point to within 10-20 degrees of target and at worst 90-180 or it would point below the horizon for something overhead. I checked all the settings, times, locations, connections etc and other people also had a look at it. We all agreed it was kokoloco - how's that for a technical term. Could never iron out the wrinkles. Unlike USA, iOptron support in Australia is pretty much non-existent.

[jthommes]

Steve,
Interesting take on the data. Great detail in the image. I like both versions. The second one is what most of us are probably used to seeing fro this object. But after spending some time looking through the first version, one comes to appreciate it.