I found it difficult to decide between the cropped and uncropped versions of this image. I generally prefer wider field images (with all their faint background fuzzies), and this one is no exception. However, the galaxy is the main attraction here, so I've placed a crop as the default.

Click here for uncropped version.

UPDATE:

As an experiment, I decided to see how this data would turn out with a processing that used regularized Richardson-Lucy deconvolution instead of BlurXTerminator. This was partly for the sake of curiosity, but also to prove to myself that I could achieve a good result without relying on AI sharpening. The result wasn't too bad at all, and I actually prefer its softer presentation in some ways. So I blended it with the BlurXTerminator result and have marked this as the final image.

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NGC 253 - Sculptor Galaxy
First mono LRGB project

Finally, after a few years of OSC imaging, I decided to make the jump to mono and buy myself an ASI2600MM Pro. Narrowband imaging was the main motivator for this move, but I've started off with a set of LRGB filters while I get the camera and filter wheel bedded in. For my first proper mono project, I decided to image one of my favourite objects, NGC 253, using my go-to galaxy scope: a modified 8" f/5 GSO Newt.

I started capturing luminance frames before my filter wheel and filters arrived, grabbing a few hours of data with the Optolong UV/IR Cut filter from my OSC setup. Once the filter wheel and filters arrived, I captured a few hours' more luminance frames, then (after testing the filters and following up on some issues) proceeded to capture RGB channels.

During the capture process, I had a few hiccups and several tweaks were required to get the new gear sorted. The constantly aborted and restarted imaging sessions ended up resulting in a mismatched number of RGB frames when I got around to checking the counts: roughly five hours of red, and three hours of green and blue. So for my final imaging session, I decided to capture sufficient green and blue frames to even this out.

However, during that final imaging session, I started experiencing some unusual focusing issues. It turns out the 3D-printed adapter for my EAF had given way mid-session. The extra weight of the filter wheel clearly didn't help, so I'll have to provide some extra reinforcement to prevent the adapter from coming unstuck. This issue popped up right as I was about to capture the final block of blue frames. With rain and the full-moon arriving, there isn't much opportunity for extra data for now. The blue channel looked reasonable, so I decided to press on with processing regardless.

The shift from OSC to mono processing was straightforward, clearly helped by WBPP. I mostly followed my usual process (GraXpert/PixInsight/Affinity), with the only difference being the combination of luminance with RGB images. The big surprise was the boost in perceived resolution from the mono camera. This, combined with good seeing (mostly in the range of 1.6-2.3" FWHM according to PixInsight's SubframeSelector) led to very clean data even before deconvolution. In fact, on my first pass through the processing, I ended up with something that looked entirely "overcooked" as I applied my usual OSC processing defaults. I went back and dialled back the processing - in particular, going easy with BlurXTerminator, and ended up with a more natural-looking result (while still not leaving too much detail on the table).

The biggest challenges in processing were in deciding just how much to highlight the dust lanes (finding the right balance of contrast), and deciding how far to stretch the faint outer halo (highlighting its presence without creating a washed-out image). In the end, I'm satisfied with where I landed. For a first attempt at mono processing, I can't complain. I may go back and collect the missing blue channel data later, just for the sake of completionism,  but I'm happy to share the result as it stands right now.