Re: [APML] Astronomy Magazine M8

[Matt BenDaniel <matt@starmatt.com>]

We know that M8 and most other diffuse emission nebula are actually grey
with the slightest pink tint.  But because we produce art (and not
scientific data), we take liberties when we curve.  Most of us saturate
and stretch images in a way that reveals structure and coloration in a
way that we hope is aesthetically pleasing to others (as well as to
ourselves).

Many many times on the APML and elsewhere the question has been asked,
"What does it really look like?".  The answer is that it (e.g. M8) looks
like a faint grey indistinct cloud.  But how relevant is that to our
final product (i.e. art)?

Also, I don't fault any image because it includes wavelengths that
cannot be seen by the naked eye.  

However, I do object to many of the Hubble ST image renderings because
they seem to have be excessively far away from anything that could be
considered natural.  For example, the famous "Pillars of Creation" in
M16.  Orange with purple stars? Echh!
-- 
Matt BenDaniel
http://starmatt.com

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