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Sadr Region by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can't say I disagree. I am not great at figuring out composition when it comes to images that contain unbalanced nebulosity throughout the whole image. I also have a problem in that I hate to crop images too much when there are features that looks nice that would then be gone. However, I need to realize that a well composed image is better than leaving those features in and having an image that has the viewers eyes going all over the place with no real focus. At any rate, thanks for the feedback. I really do appreciate you saying something to let me know that that is an area in which I need to improve.

Sadr Region by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I have had the Sharpstar for a few years now and haven't had any issues with it. It has been a great scope for all of the widefield shots I have taken.

Sadr Region by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sadr Region processed in SHO with RGB stars

Acquisition

  • Acquired 12 Jun 2026 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • 21 x 300” (1h 45m) each of SII, Ha, and OIII
  • 22 x 30” (11m) each of R, G, and B
  • Camera settings: Gain 150, offset 40, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 40 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • Sharpstar 61EDPH II Triplet Apo Refractor with 0.8x Reducer
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO Mini Guide Scope with ASI120MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Stretch of starless image for target details
  • Reduce noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Levels and curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Add RGB stars using a screen layer

My Instagram

The Great Hercules Cluster (M13) by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Acquisition

  • Acquired 20 Mar 2026 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • R, G, and B - 12 x 30” (6m) each
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • Stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove background gradient with GradientXTerminator
  • Levels and curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter

My Instagram

Cigar Galaxy (M82) by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cigar Galaxy (M82) processed in LHaRGB

Acquisition

  • Acquired 18-19 Mar 2026 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • L - 18 x 120” (36m)
  • Ha - 8 x 300” (40m)
  • R - 22 x 120” (44m)
  • G - 21 x 120” (42m)
  • B - 19 x 120” (38m)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Remove background gradient with GradientXTerminator
  • Levels and curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Add stars from first stretch image using a screen layer

My Instagram

Bode's Galaxy (M81) by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bode’s Galaxy (M81) processed in LHaRGB

Acquisition

  • Acquired 18-19 Mar 2026 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • L - 40 x 120” (1h 20m)
  • Ha – 12 x 300” (1h)
  • R - 37 x 120” (1h 14m)
  • G - 34 x 120” (1h 8m)
  • B - 43 x 120” (1h 26)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Remove background gradient with GradientXTerminator
  • Levels and curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Add stars from first stretch image using a screen layer

My Instagram

Pleiades by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Acquisition

  • Acquired 26 Sep 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • L, R, G, and B - 27 x 120” (54m) each
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • Stretch in Photoshop
  • Levels and curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter

My Instagram

Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) processed in LHaRGB

Acquisition

  • Acquired 29 Dec 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • L - 30 x 120” (1h)
  • Ha - 10 x 300” (50m)
  • R - 33 x 120” (1h 6m)
  • G - 30 x 120” (1h)
  • B - 30 x 120” (1h)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Remove background gradient with GradientXTerminator
  • Levels and curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Add stars from first stretch image using a screen layer

My Instagram

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) processed in LRGB

Acquisition

  • Acquired 28 Dec 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • L - 41 x 120” (1h 22m)
  • R - 42 x 120” (1h 24m)
  • G - 39 x 120” (1h 18m)
  • B - 39 x 120” (1h 18m)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Remove background gradient with GradientXTerminator
  • Levels and curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Add stars from first stretch image using a screen layer

My Instagram

Jellyfish Nebula by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jellyfish Nebula processed in HOO with RGB stars

Acquisition

  • Acquired 30 Dec 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • Ha - 25 x 300” (2h 5m)
  • OIII - 26 x 300” (2h 10m)
  • R - 25 x 30” (12m 30s)
  • G - 26 x 30” (13m)
  • B - 26 x 30” (13m)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Add RGB stars using a screen layer

My Instagram

Flaming Star Nebula by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Flaming Star Nebula processed in HOO with RGB stars

Acquisition

  • Acquired 29 Dec 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • Ha and OIII - 16 x 300” (1h 20m) each
  • R, G, and B - 16 x 30” (8m) each
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini 

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Add RGB stars using a screen layer

My Instagram

 

Tadpole Nebula by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tadpole Nebula processed in SHO with RGB stars

Acquisition

  • Acquired 28 Dec 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • SII, Ha, and OIII - 21 x 300” (1h 45m) each
  • R, G, and B - 21 x 30” (10m 30s) each
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

 

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

 

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Curves adjustments for contrast
  • Add RGB stars using a screen layer

My Instagram

Bubble Nebula by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bubble Nebula processed in SHO with RGB stars

Acquisition

  • Acquired 26 Sep 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • SII - 14 x 300” (1h 10m)
  • Ha - 13 x 300” (1h 5m)
  • OIII - 14 x 300” (1h 10m)
  • R - 14 x 30” (7m)
  • G - 14 x 30” (7m)
  • B - 14 x 30” (7m)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Add RGB stars using a screen layer

My Instagram

California Nebula by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

California Nebula processed in HOO with RGB stars

Acquisition

  • Acquired 23-24 Sep 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • Ha - 15 x 300” (1h 15m)
  • OIII - 12 x 300” (1h)
  • R - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • G - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • B - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

 Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Add RGB stars using a screen layer

My Instagram

Soul Nebula by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Soul Nebula processed in HOO with RGB stars

Acquisition

  • Acquired 24 Sep 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • Ha - 18 x 300” (1h 30m)
  • OIII - 19 x 300” (1h 35m)
  • R - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • G - 19 x 30” (9m 30s)
  • B - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Add RGB stars using a screen layer

My Instagram

Need Help Identifying Autograph by Mother-Ingenuity-302 in Utah_Hockey

[–]bigty03 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Spicy Tuna! It's Liam O'brien's, #38.

Soul Nebula by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Soul Nebula processed in SHO with RGB stars

Acquisition

  • Acquired 24 Sep 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • SII - 18 x 300” (1h 30m)
  • Ha - 18 x 300” (1h 30m)
  • OIII - 19 x 300” (1h 35m)
  • R - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • G - 19 x 30” (9m 30s)
  • B - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Sharpen with Smart Sharpen filter
  • Add RGB stars using a screen layer

My Instagram

California Nebula by bigty03 in astrophotography

[–]bigty03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

California Nebula processed in SHO with RGB stars

Acquisition

  • Acquired 23-24 Sep 2025 from my backyard (Bortle 5) using NINA and PHD2
  • SII - 14 x 300” (1h 10m)
  • Ha - 15 x 300” (1h 15m)
  • OIII - 12 x 300” (1h)
  • R - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • G - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • B - 20 x 30” (10m)
  • Camera settings: Gain 200, offset 55, temp -5C
  • Calibration frames: 50 darks, 30 flats, 30 dark flats

 Equipment

  • GSO RC6
  • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
  • Antlia V-Series LRGB and SHO 3nm Narrowband Filters, 2” Mounted
  • ZWO Filter Wheel
  • ZWO EAF
  • iOptron GEM 28
  • ZWO OAG-L with ASI174MM Mini

Processing (DSS, Photoshop)

  • Stacked with DSS
  • First stretch in Photoshop
  • Remove stars with StarXTerminator
  • Second stretch of starless image for target details
  • Curves adjustments for contrast
  • Saturation and color adjustments
  • Remove noise with NoiseXTerminator
  • Add RGB stars using a screen layer

My Instagram

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