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Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 37h

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 8:00 am
by ram
Also includes Eta Geminorum/Propus, Mu Geminorum/Tejat, and LDN1564-LDN1568.
ic443_sho_nf.v0.1-studio-minimal.resized5MB.jpg
Total integration: 2218 minutes/37 hours (137/19 x 300/420s or 13.7h for Ha + 94/28 x 300/420s or 11.1h for O3 + 94/35 x 300/420s or 12.2h for S2).

Cameras: QHY163M (16mp mono) and QHY247C (24mp OSC) CMOS cooled to -20 and -15 degrees C.
Telescopes: Takahashi FC100DF Steinheil fluorite doublet and Stellarvue SV70T triplet apochromat refractors @ f/4.9 and @ f/4.8.
Reducers: Takahashi FC-35 (0.66x) and SFFR70-APO (0.8x).
Mount: Paramount MyT.
Filters: 1.25" Astrodon 5nm Ha, 3nm O3, 3nm S2 and 2" Baader UV-IR-Cut
Software: TheSkyX Pro, Sharpcap, PixInsight, Topaz Studio 2.

Inline images with reduced quality uploaded to the forum. Full resolution images are available at https://www.astrobin.com/enlic2/ and of the main image at http://ram.org/images/space/scope/1.4+7 ... 8m_37h.jpg

The Jellyfish nebula (IC443) is the name given to a galactic supernova remnant situated in the constellation Gemini about 5000 light years from Earth. The remains of a supernova that exploded prior to the dawn of the Julian and Gregorian calendars is coincidentally bookended by two bright stars in the frame, Eta Geminorum aka Propus/Praepus/Tejat Prior on the right and Mu Geminorum aka Tejat/Calx on the left side.

The narrowfield framing shows the partial shell of supernova remnant (G189.0+03.0) with its distinctive Jellyfish shape in the bottom right quadrant interacting with the molecular clouds surrounding it above and to the left, seemingly as though it is striking them with bolts of lightning. The interactions of the remnant with its surroundings all around are what give rise to its eponymous shape. The four dark nebulae (LDN1565-1568) towards the left in the top half are situated within Sh2-249, which also includes IC444 and LDN1564. The widefield framing (coming soon) showcases the full extended region of about 70 light years properly.

I once again did what I did earlier, i.e., imaged the target with two scopes to get two different framings and then combined all the data together, which was collected over two years. One of the difficulties I had with this particular target was that the moon would also rise up along with nebula when it would begin to appear in the sky for me (late fall) so there were several hours worth of exposure that had to be thrown away. Given that it is a relatively bright object, I managed to collect enough signal to produce a decent series of images for each framing. The narrowfield series consists of seven images: (A) Ha, (B) L (m-sho), and three colour combinations (C-E) of the SHO data created using the Ha data for luminance, the last two processed using TopazStudio. This is followed by two different colour versions (F,G) of the SHO data created using a synthetic luminance layer that is a mix of the same data.

I am genuinely curious as to what people think of the TopazStudio 2 based processing. In the "primary" image above, I use moderate/minimal TopazStudio 2 processing after first processing with PixInsight. The two images below are processing only with PixInsight and then full TopazStudio 2 processing (taking it to a 11). On my web page, the full processing one is what looks best, but on AstroBin, it looks like overkill so I picked the middle ground as the primary choice to post here. So I'm curious as to know what people think.

PI only:
ic443_sho_nf.v0.1.resized5MB.jpg
Full TopazStudio:
ic443_sho_nf.v0.1-studio.resized5MB.jpg
As always, thanks for looking!

--Ram

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:44 am
by Jockinireland
Hi Ram, those are just mind blowingly beautiful images. Your data capture and processing is so far beyond what I can achieve that I feel a bit daft giving any opinions on their relative merits. But you asked so here is what I think.

Personally I actually prefer the PI only image - the detail is there although it is softer than in the two Topaz versions. In the topaz versions the clouds of Sh2-294 have more contrast and structure and I like those, but in the head and tail of the jellyfish that contrast is becoming so sharp I find it too harsh and a bit of a distraction. Equally, I prefer the smoother background of the PI only version.

Again, if I could get even close to any of these images I would be overjoyed.

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 10:36 am
by ram
Jockinireland wrote: Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:44 am Hi Ram, those are just mind blowingly beautiful images. Your data capture and processing is so far beyond what I can achieve that I feel a bit daft giving any opinions on their relative merits. But you asked so here is what I think.

Personally I actually prefer the PI only image - the detail is there although it is softer than in the two Topaz versions. In the topaz versions the clouds of Sh2-294 have more contrast and structure and I like those, but in the head and tail of the jellyfish that contrast is becoming so sharp I find it too harsh and a bit of a distraction. Equally, I prefer the smoother background of the PI only version.

Again, if I could get even close to any of these images I would be overjoyed.
Thanks a lot - I appreciate it! I do however think so much of this is subjective so your views are exactly what I was looking for - thanks for that also! You identified the best parts are of each image (the Jellyfish is a better in the PI version and the Sh2-249 clouds/dark nebulae are better in the TopazStudio) and identified what you like about them. My thirteen year daughter agrees with you BTW but my wife prefers the TopazStudio 2 all in one. So I chose the middle ground. :)

--Ram

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 3:57 pm
by MariusD69
Wonderful images! Well done! I prefer the PI version.

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:35 pm
by messier 111
wow , splendid shots , thx .

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:45 pm
by Jockinireland
ram wrote: Thu Mar 18, 2021 10:36 am
Jockinireland wrote: Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:44 am Hi Ram, those are just mind blowingly beautiful images. Your data capture and processing is so far beyond what I can achieve that I feel a bit daft giving any opinions on their relative merits. But you asked so here is what I think.

Personally I actually prefer the PI only image - the detail is there although it is softer than in the two Topaz versions. In the topaz versions the clouds of Sh2-294 have more contrast and structure and I like those, but in the head and tail of the jellyfish that contrast is becoming so sharp I find it too harsh and a bit of a distraction. Equally, I prefer the smoother background of the PI only version.

Again, if I could get even close to any of these images I would be overjoyed.
Thanks a lot - I appreciate it! I do however think so much of this is subjective so your views are exactly what I was looking for - thanks for that also! You identified the best parts are of each image (the Jellyfish is a better in the PI version and the Sh2-249 clouds/dark nebulae are better in the TopazStudio) and identified what you like about them. My thirteen year daughter agrees with you BTW but my wife prefers the TopazStudio 2 all in one. So I chose the middle ground. :)

--Ram
Ah! Now heres something I can advise on from extensive years of experience. Taking the middle ground between a wife and a teenage daughter is NEVER a good plan. Trust me on this one! :lol:

Good luck!

David

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 2:03 am
by Juno16
Stunning work Ram!

Both are very beautiful renditions of your amazing 37 hours of capture!

At my level of AP, I really hesitate to choose which process I prefer, but personally, I like the softer PI version. Just my personal subjective feeling.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful work!

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 6:32 am
by Astrovetteman
Hey Ram....I like it!! NB stuff is really artistic...some like Picasso and some like Rembrandt!!
Great Job!!
Tom

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 3:12 pm
by yobbo89
very nice!,some very detailed structure of the jelly fish!.

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 5:15 pm
by Gordon
Congratulations Ram on having your image selected as todays TSS APOD!!

app.php/article/3-19-2021-tss-astrophot ... of-the-day

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 7:08 pm
by Makuser
Hi Ram. A very nice pair of the Jellyfish Nebulae. Lots of spectacular color and dark Lynd Dark Nebulae details too. I actually like them both. Thanks for sharing these with us on here Ram, and congratulations on winning the well deserved TSS APOD Award today.

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:25 pm
by carastro
What a stunning image, I love the palette. Normally I find this a very drab target, but not so here.

Whilst I am a PS person, I do prefer the PI version because it is smoother.

Congratulations on your APOD. Well deserved.

Carole

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 10:26 pm
by j.gardavsky
Hello Ram,

this is the most fantastic capture of these nebulae, I have ever seen!
Thank you for sharing,
JG

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 11:42 pm
by Graeme1858
Quality imaging Ram.

Earlier today I liked the softer rendition but tonight I have the laptop brightness turned down and the clarity of the full Topaz really stands out.

Congratulations on the APOD, well deserved.

Regards

Graeme

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 11:45 pm
by starfield
Beautiful and always amazed at the time you spend on your projects. It's funny, but when I look at small versions I prefer the first version and the second looks a bit crunchy. If I can blow it up close to full screen the second image really shines. Seems like the second image takes a hit when the browser rescales it. Both super shots.

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2021 12:12 am
by Ylem
Holy carp!
That's awesome 👍🤩
Love it 😊

And congratulations 🎉👏 great job!

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2021 5:04 pm
by chartram
Incredible pice of work Ram. Your hard work and perseverance over the last couple of years has really paid off nicely. Absolutely stunning view and the colors are so vivid. Wow!

Mike

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2021 3:54 am
by STEVE333
Very pretty Ram - Interesting comparison between the two versions. I prefer one about 1/2 way between the two versions. Just a little sharper than the PI version, but, not as sharp as the Topaz version. But, as you say, this is all personal opinion.

Lovely details a vibrant colors. A lovely work of art.

Congratulations on the APOD, well deserved.

FYI, you can get a version very similar to your Topaz version by extracting the Luminance image from the PI version, sharpen it, and then recombine it with the original image using LRGBCombination. I can provide details if you are interested.

Cheers,

Steve

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2021 1:01 am
by ram
Thank you everyone for the encouragement! I appreciate it.

Steve, thanks! The main one I selected was indeed between the extreme Topaz and the PI only version. Sure, I'd be interested in seeing if we can get the TopazStudio style image using PI only - with Topaz I just follow their order of operations which is very WYSIWYG - I'm usually not a fan of such GUIs (I still do all my work with a Unix terminal for instance) but with Topaz it seems to work intuitively enough for me (too much even perhaps, it's very easy to overdo it). It'll be worth seeing if we can apply it to the widefield version which I'll get back once I finish with sh2-219.

--Ram

Re: Jellyfish nebulae Ced73/Ced74/IC443/IC444/LBN840/LBN841/LBN844/Sh2-248/Sh2-249/SNR G189.0+03.0/VdB75 narrowfield - 3

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2021 9:25 pm
by ic_1101
An absolutely beautiful capture and processing Ram. Congrats on the well deserved APOD!