M51 the Whirlpool Galaxy Redo

Update 2023

As an astrophotographer, I'm always on the lookout for new techniques and tools to help me bring out the best in my images. Recently, I had the opportunity to reprocess some old data of M51 that I took in 2018 using a some new updated techniques in particular the, Bluexterminator and Niosexterminator. Developed by Russell Crowman, these PixInsight plugins to help me remove the blurring caused by light pollution and atmospheric conditions, and really did a great job on the noisetoo, without having to use masks allowing me to bring out even more detail in my images.

To start my reprocessing, I used PixInsight to stack my original images and perform Blurexterminator then did my normal processing steps, such as background subtraction, color calibration, and noise reduction. This powerful plugin works by analyzing the local contrast in the image and removing any blurring caused by light pollution or atmospheric conditions. The result is an image with crisp, clear details and a stunning amount of depth.

After using Bluexterminator, I was amazed by the difference it made in my image. The details in the spiral arms of the M51 Galaxy were more defined and the colors were more vibrant than ever before. The plugin also helped to reduce the overall noise in the image, resulting in a smoother and more pleasing final result.

I then finished the image in Photoshop with its camera raw actions. While I was able to achieve a similar level of detail and color, I found that the Bluexterminator plugin allowed me to achieve these results with much less effort and time. The Bluexterminator plugin was a game-changer in my reprocessing workflow, allowing me to produce stunning images with minimal effort.

In conclusion, the Bluexterminator plugin is a valuable tool for any astrophotographer looking to bring out the best in their images. Its ability to remove blurring caused by light pollution and atmospheric conditions, while retaining detail and color, is truly remarkable. I highly recommend this plugin to anyone looking to take their astrophotography to the next level.

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The Whirlpool Galaxy, aka Messier 51 and NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus. It lies in the constellation Canes Venatici, and was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy.[8] Its distance is estimated to be 31 million light-years away from Earth.

The galaxy and its companion, NGC 5195, seen here in this image captured in the Florida everglades are easily photographed by astrophotgraphers, and can be seen with a pair of binoculars.

The Whirlpool Galaxy has been extensively observed by professional astronomers, who study it to understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.

Details:

Camera: QHY268M

Optic: Edge HD 8”

Filters: Badder LRGB

Time: 180s x 20 RGB ag 300s x 20 Luminance

Processing: Pixinsight