M31, The Andromeda Galaxy

M31, The Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest neighbor galaxy beyond the large & small Magellanic Clouds.

ZWO ASI2600MC
iOptron CEM70EC
120x 120sec = 4hrs of OSC data

Captured at Wee Thump, NV, a Bortle 3-4 site with NINA
Processed with PixInsight

C&C welcome!

I have 3hrs20min of Ha data from 600sec subs with the 2600MM and Chroma 3nm Ha filter that I haven't added to it yet.

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …Bv3_Topaz-X3.jpg&lb=1&s=A

SiriusDoggy wrote in post #19429775
. . .

I have 3hrs20min of Ha data from 600sec subs with the 2600MM and Chroma 3nm Ha filter that I haven't added to it yet.

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …Bv3_Topaz-X3.jpg&lb=1&s=A on Smugmug

Let us see the result after you will do it. I am pretty sure the galaxy look will be different.

Here's the same data with an additional 3hrs 20mins of Ha data captured the same evening using the 2600MM and Chroma 3nm Ha filter.
I'm not sure which version I like best. The Ha is for sure a real boost to those red areas but I think I like the contrast and overall color of the original version better. Your thoughts?

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …i-xB8dNxJ-X2.jpg&lb=1&s=A

SiriusDoggy wrote in post #19430424
Here's the same data with an additional 3hrs 20mins of Ha data captured the same evening using the 2600MM and Chroma 3nm Ha filter.
I'm not sure which version I like best. The Ha is for sure a real boost to those red areas but I think I like the contrast and overall color of the original version better. Your thoughts?

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …i-xB8dNxJ-X2.jpg&lb=1&s=A on Smugmug

They are both nice. I can't say how realistic each image looks, but as art, I like the second with the splashes of red.

Capn Jack wrote in post #19430427
They are both nice. I can't say how realistic each image looks, but as art, I like the second with the splashes of red.

Actually, by taking Ha narrow band shots, you bringing brightness of emission nebulae to an average of the whole object. In other words brightness of this specific areas greatly amplified and embedded in the image it reveals this nebulae making the image more detailed.

I like both but if I have to choose I’ll go with #2. My wife likes it best hands down. She thinks it seems to have more detail and seemingly more realistic. What she said.
Excellent-excellent!

SiriusDoggy wrote in post #19430424
Here's the same data with an additional 3hrs 20mins of Ha data captured the same evening using the 2600MM and Chroma 3nm Ha filter.
I'm not sure which version I like best. The Ha is for sure a real boost to those red areas but I think I like the contrast and overall color of the original version better. Your thoughts?

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …i-xB8dNxJ-X2.jpg&lb=1&s=A on Smugmug

I think this is stunning!

Thanks!