NGC 3372 Carina Nebula Eastern Region in SHO

[Startrek]

Captured over 4 nights during March during the Full Moon period, here’s an SHO narrowband image of the Carina Nebula’s eastern region which is one of my favourite areas of this magnificent nebula.

Bortle 8 City Suburban location
Full Moon period
Seeing conditions average to good
Telescope 8” f5 Klaus Helmerich Carbon Fibre ( Self built )
Mount Skywatcher EQ6-R pro
Imaging camera ZWO2600MM cooled to -10C , Gain 100 HCG
TS Optics GPU coma corrector with Beamtech 15mm spacing ring
Antlia 3nm filters
PHD2 Multistar guiding ( 0.40 to 0.50 arc sec total )
Orion 60mm guide scope with helical focuser
ZWO EFW 7 x 2”
ZWO EAF focuser
Tracking and Goto EQMOD and Stellarium
Aquisition and Capture , APT
Ha 141 x 2 min dithered subs
Oiii 108 x 2 min dithered subs
Sii 110 x 2 min dithered subs
Darks from Library
Full Calibration suite
Flats for Ha , Oiii and Sii
Flat Darks for Ha , Oiii and Sii
Total integration 12 hours
Subs reviewed in ASTAP
Data calibrated , stacked and aligned in ASTAP
Post processed in Startools version 1.8 via Compose module

NB: This image is presented as documentary astrophotography and does not use any AI enhanced or AI assisted technology during post processing.

Astrobin link for full resolution……,

https://www.astrobin.com/full/fm8qtt/B/

Thanks for Looking
Comments most welcome

Martin

[decay]

As always, a perfect image, Martin. Well done. Nothing more to say I like this SHO version a bit more than the Synthetic LRGB version, but that's probably just personal taste.

Interesting "disclamer". Who would have thought that it would come so far. In the beginning I always thought 'Well, these guys are pimping their images with a bit of AI-based cosmetics." But the more I think about it, the worse it gets. You can no longer trust an image at all. And there is no critical debate or any kind of reflection ...

Best regards! Dietmar.

[Startrek]

Hi Dietmar,
Thank you , I don’t know about perfect but a pleasing result.
The SHO has a bit more contrast in the shadows and highlights but the Synth LRGB is a nice option to have and present too.
Looking at some images in our local forum where the object was captured at really low altitudes you can tell that AI was used as the image has unbelievable resolution right down the most minute detail. You just can’t get that type of fine sharp detail out of any scope using traditional Richardson and Lucy Deconvolution together with significant integration at super low altitudes. It goes beyond the limits of optical physics.
At least I know that Startools will stay true to your data and not invent something that’s not real.
Unfortunately AI has now become a part of everyday life which is sad.
I’m proud to show my images with “warts and all” and proud to use a AI disclaimer as well.

Thanks again

Maybe we should revisit a discussion about AI in post processing so others can voice their opinions including Ivo, who could give us more of an insight as the where it’s taking our hobby to and the vision for the future.

Clear Skies
Martin

[grc02]

A case of star envy. Guess I need a better scope.