M42 Molecular Cloud Complex HaLRGB (John Kroon)

M42 Molecular Cloud Complex HaLRGB

The Orion molecular cloud complex, M42/M43, is shown here in stunning detail imaged as HaLRGB using a cooled monochrome dedicated astrophotography camera (ASI1600MM-Pro). One compelling feature of this subject is the plethora of dim dust surrounding the primary M42 nebula. Reddish-brown dust filaments can be seen elegantly arching off of M42 just east of the Trapezium cluster. Somewhat paradoxically, this subject is simultaneously the most photographed by beginners and yet is quite challenging due to the demands placed upon the high-dynamic range. Blowing out the core from the bright Trapezium cluster is in stark contrast to the vanishingly dim surrounding dust complex whose surface brightness is several magnitudes dimmer than the core.

I imaged this one in an attempt to rectify my first attempt at any astrophotography subject and to therefore come full circle in my nearly three year story arc in the hobby. This project represents the conclusion of a vendetta against an earlier version of myself in which I was overwhelmed with enthusiasm and awe which overrode my rational understanding of the benefits of long exposures. My first attempt comprised a mere 30 minutes of integrated exposure time. I have kept all previous versions of all my projects in an attempt to keep a record of my progress. Please compare this version with my earliest attempt seen at the bottom of my gallery list. Thank you for looking and clear skies!

Original
C
Final
D

C

Description: While I like the previous version, I think I like this newer version better. I think its color scheme is more canonical vis-a-vis the reddish-brown dust flanking the main M42 nebula cloud complex. I made a range mask to isolate the dimmer background dust and pulled the blue down on curves and the red up on histogram transformation.

Uploaded: ...

D

Description: I fixed some stray light at the bottom and enhanced the blue of the running man nebula.

Uploaded: ...

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Status	Advanced success
Started	...
Astrometry.net job	5093237
PixInsight job	L13LC3XUX11VGBK18AYGST9Q5YXTMCX9
PixInsight queue size	n/a
PixInsight stage	TASK_LOG

RA (center)	05h35m16s.17
RA (top/left)	05h32m16s.56
RA (top/right)	05h32m19s.27
RA (bottom/right)	05h38m16s.45
RA (bottom/left)	05h38m13s.40

Dec (center)	-05°19′08″.1
Dec (top/left)	-04°22′51″.2
Dec (top/right)	-06°15′50″.9
Dec (bottom/right)	-06°15′20″.4
Dec (bottom/left)	-04°22′20″.4

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