This is a re-process of image data captured in July 2013. I've taken exactly the same data and calibration files (darks and bias, no flats) and reprocessed the image entirely in Pixinsight. The original processing was done in Image Plus software for calibration and stacking with stretching and non linear processing completed in Photoshop. I was curious to see whether using a dedicated platform such as Pixinsight combined with my additional processing experience would help with improving the final result. The previous posting from 2013 can be found by clicking on the following thumbnail:

I'm happy with the result from this re-process. Additional detail has come through and the star field and objects therein are much sharper and better defined. There is improved depth in the image as well so that it withstands pixel peeping a little better.

The field view covers 25 degrees from the constellation of Crux (Southern Cross) on the left hand side of the image to the Eta Carina Nebula (NGC 3372) on the right hand side of the image. There are a number of other objects visible as well including the coal sack nebula, the dark nebula adjacent to the Crux and other smaller nebula in the field of view.

The image was taken with a Canon 60Da and 50mm lens @ f4.5 and is comprised of 20 subs of 180 seconds taken at ISO 800.