NGC 2244 The Rosette Nebula
Image: Fred Calvert / Cold Spring Observatory / November 25, 2005
The two images above shows the power of image processing. The data was collected with a simple Celestron 102mm f5 spotting scope that in no way - shape or form should every be used for high resolution CCD imaging.
The original combined data had major defects in it - especially in the blue data frames where the optics of the scope are very poor. Large rings of blue color were around each star - and the stars on the outer edges were badly elongated. Photoshop CS was used to select and remove the blue color from around each star and then the areas around each major star - that now were grey - were repaired using the stamp and heal function of Photoshop CS. The final image was still quit grainy looking due to the low amount of exposure data. (see B&W image on the right)
A program named Neat Image was used to give the final image a smooth appearance. This image was just a fun experiment to see what could be done with a inexpensive spotting scope that is made for visual observing only.
Image data was acquired using LRGB method at 10 minutes for each color - binning 1 X 1 with an SBIG ST2000XM - CFW8 Color Filter Wheel and MaxIM DL camera control software. Image processing was with MaxIM DL, Photoshop CS and Neat Image
Pictures above from left to right.
Celestron 102mm f5 Spotting Scope piggy-backed on a Meade LX200.
Cold Spring Observatory Control Room
Cropped center section of NGC2244 before image processing showing blue donuts around stars due to poor optical quality of a spotting scope.