IC405 - the 'flaming' star nebula (Tom Gray)

IC405 - the 'flaming' star nebula

IC 405 the flaming star nebula is an area of dense emissions and dusty reflections around the star AE Aurigae; this image taken in Ha shows the HII emissions. It lies about 1500 LY away and is approximately 5 LY across. Whilst monochrome images show off the subtle contrasts and detail, it is a glorious sight in a full colour palette.

Taken on a night of reasonable transparency, under a bright waning moon, but with poor seeing (3/5 with PHD guide star jumping all over the place). The image comprises 3 hours data through a Baader 7nm Ha filter. Data were gathered in Envisage, calibrated, aligned and stacked in ASTAP and processed in Startools 1.8 alpha.

The original is processed using a non-linear DDP stretch with moderate deconvolution, to reduce atmospheric 'wobble', some dimming of background stars, and moderate contrast and sharpening. I personally like the smoother image which lends a more 'natural' and 3D perspective. Revision B is processed with a linear auto stretch, which enhances the detail, but results in a much brighter image and background - despite using star masks, these appear less 'natural'. These are my observations, and as ever, I would value your feedback.

PS. I'm loving this Baader 7nm Ha filter!

Original
B
C
D
Final
E

B

Description: This version uses a linear auto stretch - see main description for my thoughts.

Uploaded: ...

C

Description: Following feedback, I have post processed a 50:50 blend of the original and revision B in Startools. I think this keeps the contrast and detail of the the revision with the smoother background of the original. Thanks to @Lee for this helpful suggestion.

Uploaded: ...

D

Description: Messing about in Startools. In this revision I have taken the original DPP stretch and applied some artificial fractal flux to sharpen the detail. Not sure what I feel about this approach?

Uploaded: ...

E

Description: Now my blended revision C processed with some flux to enhance the detail.

Uploaded: ...

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Status	Advanced success
Started	...
Astrometry.net job	5043346
PixInsight job	EMTJTWYSBV4VXIURHE9DJCQQRYUU6B0H
PixInsight queue size	n/a
PixInsight stage	TASK_LOG

RA (center)	05h16m22s.81
RA (top/left)	05h14m46s.50
RA (top/right)	05h17m51s.39
RA (bottom/right)	05h17m58s.97
RA (bottom/left)	05h14m53s.86

Dec (center)	+34°27′15″.4
Dec (top/left)	+34°13′56″.7
Dec (top/right)	+34°11′57″.9
Dec (bottom/right)	+34°40′24″.10
Dec (bottom/left)	+34°42′27″.4

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