M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

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M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#1

Post by Juno16 »


Hi Everyone!

Thank you lord! Got a chance to get out last night! Its been two weeks!

Clear except for the small Cumulus clouds that moved through early and messed up some subs, but dang, I could hear the wind blowing through the trees all night. At least the 11 mph that I saw on the Weather Channel app. Atmosphere was very unstable. Focusing was really tough! I ended up not using the Batinov Mask tool in APT and just running Live View at 100% magnification with the mask and try to get a good pattern intersection.

The sky was really bright. I used the SQM app on my phone and it read an 18.50. The worse end of Bortle 7.

So, with all of that going on, my goal was modest. To better my last years (and only) attempt at M51. I will include that image for comparison.

Definitely better color (modded camera vs. unmodded camera) and better details, but don’t magnify the image much because its pretty noisy!

40 subs stacked in DSS (about 160 minutes).
Nikon D5300 (Ha modded) at iso 400 for 240 seconds. IDAS LPS-D1 filter.
Bias, Flats, and I used an old Master Dark.
Processed in Startools with a twitch in Photosho Elements.
M51 4-12-20 new process with 71 percent bin with sharp in pe auto levels.jpg
This is last years version.
About 1 ½ hours integration with a Nikon D3300 (unmodded).
M51 The Whirlpool Galaxy.jpg
I am hoping that I can get a few more hours on this target this season. Just for the heck of it, I stacked last years data and this years data to see what develops!

Thanks for looking!
Jim

Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#2

Post by Don Quixote »


Ok !
That looks good Jim.👍
I see a difference.
Now you have me thinking again of doing something with one of my cameras.
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#3

Post by Juno16 »


Hi All,

I just threw a quick process on both last years data and this years data. Had to really fight with the colors and some walking noise (I didn't dither last year), but I think that it is kinda pleasing.

Please let me know which version you like better!

Thanks!
M51 with last years and this years data.jpg
Jim

Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), Orion 50mm Guide Scope, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, Orion SSAG, IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#4

Post by helicon »


New one seems a tad better, but they are pretty close. Thanks for sharing the new one Jim.
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#5

Post by kt4hx »


To be very honest Jim, I prefer the second one of the three posted. I find its darker background sky to be more pleasing to my eye, and that the detail within M51 and NGC 5195 is more natural. While the third one brings out some nearby galaxies better, for my personal tastes the second image is easily more aesthetically pleasing.

While it it can be difficult to convey what I mean verbally, I guess based on myriad visual observations of this galaxy over the decades with larger aperture, it renders the galaxies in more natural tones. Since I am solely a visual observer, that is how I relate more to images, and that one just seems more akin to what I see, though of course more detailed. I also think that image holds up better in the "zoomed" view. Hope that all makes sense.
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#6

Post by ic_1101 »


Very nice Jim. I do like the newer version better, a bit less noise and i like the colors a tad better. Thx for sharing.
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#7

Post by Juno16 »


kt4hx wrote: Tue Apr 14, 2020 11:19 pm To be very honest Jim, I prefer the second one of the three posted. I find its darker background sky to be more pleasing to my eye, and that the detail within M51 and NGC 5195 is more natural. While the third one brings out some nearby galaxies better, for my personal tastes the second image is easily more aesthetically pleasing.

While it it can be difficult to convey what I mean verbally, I guess based on myriad visual observations of this galaxy over the decades with larger aperture, it renders the galaxies in more natural tones. Since I am solely a visual observer, that is how I relate more to images, and that one just seems more akin to what I see, though of course more detailed. I also think that image holds up better in the "zoomed" view. Hope that all makes sense.
Hi Alan,

I wanted your honest impressions and I thank you for that!

All that I see in an eyepiece are two very dim smudges! I can’t imagine seeing the view that you describe.

I’ll give the data another run (or two) and try to attenuate the intensity and color to try to retail the detail.

Not having your database of visual observations, I am more partial to the third image (combined data) because I like the extra detail and smoothness.

Thanks a bunch Alan! I really appreciate your thoughts!
Jim

Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), Orion 50mm Guide Scope, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, Orion SSAG, IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#8

Post by kt4hx »


Juno16 wrote: Tue Apr 14, 2020 11:55 pm
kt4hx wrote: Tue Apr 14, 2020 11:19 pm To be very honest Jim, I prefer the second one of the three posted. I find its darker background sky to be more pleasing to my eye, and that the detail within M51 and NGC 5195 is more natural. While the third one brings out some nearby galaxies better, for my personal tastes the second image is easily more aesthetically pleasing.

While it it can be difficult to convey what I mean verbally, I guess based on myriad visual observations of this galaxy over the decades with larger aperture, it renders the galaxies in more natural tones. Since I am solely a visual observer, that is how I relate more to images, and that one just seems more akin to what I see, though of course more detailed. I also think that image holds up better in the "zoomed" view. Hope that all makes sense.
Hi Alan,

I wanted your honest impressions and I thank you for that!

All that I see in an eyepiece are two very dim smudges! I can’t imagine seeing the view that you describe.

I’ll give the data another run (or two) and try to attenuate the intensity and color to try to retail the detail.

Not having your database of visual observations, I am more partial to the third image (combined data) because I like the extra detail and smoothness.

Thanks a bunch Alan! I really appreciate your thoughts!
You're welcome Jim. Ultimately the only person you need satisfy is yourself. We each like what we like for our own reasons.

I have at times seen M51/NGC 5195 almost photographically through the eyepiece with enough aperture and excellent conditions. In fact, that exact view is what solidified my primary interest as a galaxy hunter/observer. That occurred back in the early 1980s from a rural Indiana setting. Light pollution was of course magnitudes less than it is today in the same location. Using the same optics that I currently use (long before having them re-figured and updated coatings applied) in the old Coulter structure, those galaxies were indeed strongly reminiscent of the black and white film images I was used to seeing in those days. So all that influences how I see images and what I find more pleasing within them. But again, that is just me, and not necessarily anyone else. Main thing is to keep up the excellent work, and know that you have made major strides in your image collection and processing. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
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"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#9

Post by MariusD69 »


Very nice! Well done, Jim!
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#10

Post by Gordon »


Congratulations Jim on having your image selected as today's TSS APOD!

app.php/article/4-15-2020-tss-astronomy ... of-the-day
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#11

Post by Ruud »


The first image is impressive already, but the second is so much better still!
Image
Wonderful processing. The colours are sublime.
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#12

Post by Juno16 »


Thanks for the apod! I am still messing with the image! Trying to get a good balance of color and detail. Hopethat I get the chance to add more data soon!
Jim

Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#13

Post by Graeme1858 »


Congratulations on the APOD Jim.

Regards

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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#14

Post by Jockinireland »


Dont know how I missed this previously. Lovely image Jim and well deserved APOD

Hope you get some more clear sky.

Rgds

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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#15

Post by Makuser »


Hi Jim. I like both versions of your M51. Nice contrast, sparkly spiral arm details, and the little companion NGC 5195 shows up well. Thanks for sharing these with us on here Jim, and congratulations on winning the TSS APOD Award today.
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#16

Post by Juno16 »


Thank you everyone!

I have really struggled with this image!

That evening had several challenging things going on and I knew the data would be challenging. At first, I thought that the colors (with the modded dslr) were pretty cool, but later though that they were a bit too much.

Below is my last pass with this! Well, not necessarily if I get more data!
M51 4-12-20 5.jpg
Jim

Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
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Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, Orion SSAG, IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#17

Post by starfield »


Like this last one the best, Jim. Congrats on APOD --Steve
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#18

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Juno16 wrote: Wed Apr 15, 2020 6:24 pm Thanks for the apod! I am still messing with the image! Trying to get a good balance of color and detail. Hopethat I get the chance to add more data soon!
Nice indeed! How are planning on "messing" with it, though? What are your thoughts?
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#19

Post by Juno16 »


notFritzArgelander wrote: Thu Apr 16, 2020 1:45 am
Juno16 wrote: Wed Apr 15, 2020 6:24 pm Thanks for the apod! I am still messing with the image! Trying to get a good balance of color and detail. Hopethat I get the chance to add more data soon!
Nice indeed! How are planning on "messing" with it, though? What are your thoughts?
Thank you so much nFA!

The product of the “messing with” is attached in post #16. I reprocessed and backed off the aggressiveness. The sky that evening was extra challenging. Ended up with a version more pleasing to my eye.

Thanks again. Your comments and everyone’s comments are greatly appreciated!
Jim

Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), Orion 50mm Guide Scope, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, Orion SSAG, IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
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Re: M51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) This Year's Version

#20

Post by Thefatkitty »


Little late to the party here... For me, it's a toss-up between the second image and the one in post #16. I'll go with the one in post #16; nice balance of natural color and detail. Plus you spent extra time on it too :D

Yeah, congrats on the APOD as well!

All the best,
Mark

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