[APML] NGC 104 processing practice

["Rodney Watters" <ryderhome@bigpond.com>]

I had occasion recently to dust off some two year old negatives which were
taken as prime focus through my C9.25" SCT. I have some images of the 47
Tucanae (NGC104) globular cluster and M42. These were taken when I first
started playing with astrophotography and were unguided and crudely focused
by eye balling it through the camera viewfinder. Because they were unguided
each exposure was limited to a few minutes each.

Originally the prints from the negatives were placed in my archive
repository (an old shoe box) and forgotten because the prints were quite
unimpressive. Because of the severe clipping of the dynamic range during the
print process the NGC104 globular cluster came out looking like a white blob
on a spotty background. However I was impressed with the magic that appeared
before my eyes when I decided to scan the images through my recently
purchased Minolta scanner. I could actually see stars almost all the way to
the core of the cluster. Very impressive if I say so myself.

So I set myself a little processing challenge as I know that by doing this
and posting the images for comment my skills will leap forward in large
bounds. I had two shots of NGC104 and four of M42. I have only processed
NGC104 which is the subject of this post and will make M42 the subject of
another post.

I have compiled a web page, link here:
www.ryderhome.com.au/ap/page_002.htm

which includes the two original shots of NGC104, a description of the photos
and the processing undertaken. I would appreciate comments on steps that I
have taken and any tips to improve the output.

Many thanks,
Rodney Watters

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