Processing Integrated Flux Nebula?

[jimwaters]

I know you need to go as deep as possible including taking as many subs as possible but what's the best way to process IFN?

[sharkmelley]

In my case I did nothing really different:

1) A more careful and precise background removal
2) A greater amount of stretch than usual - to show the IFN
3) A greater amount of noise reduction than usual - both before and after stretching

But the most crucial thing is shooting enough data from a dark enough place.  The image linked below was 480x30sec exposures (4 hours total integration) using a Sony A7S at ISO 10000 on a Tak Epsilon 180ED (with a focal ratio of F2.8 ) under dark skies with an SQM reading of 21.6

http://www.markshelley.co.uk/Astronomy/2017/M81M82IFN_20170525_v2_medium.jpg

Mark

[jimwaters]

Mark - That's a nice image..!  Thanks for getting back to me.

[RickS]

I certainly agree that quality and quantity of data is the key.  I have found the ExponentialTransformation process is useful for giving that extra stretch to faint dusty images.

Here are a couple of tutorials that might also be useful:
http://www.deepskycolors.com/archivo/2010/05/07/multi-scale-Processing--Revealing-very.html
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dw6imbwpq8brvdt/Howto_enhance_nebuala_without_pushing_stars.wmv?dl=0

Cheers,
Rick.