[Relaxing] Image Processing of BODE'S GALAXY (M81) and Its Friends by Siril from a Bortle 8–9 Sky

Please NOTE: as I partially change the image, such as, the enhancement of the red color of the HII region in M82, this devalued the science of the image.

- - - Brief - - -
Imaging galaxies under the glare of heavy light pollution in a city (bortle 8–9) poses a formidable challenge. Unlike emission nebulae, which emit specific wavelengths of light, galaxies are broad-band objects. Consequently, relying on a narrowband filter to mitigate light pollution and enhance these deep-sky objects may not yield the desired results. Instead, the key is to patiently wait for a clear sky, capturing images during the late hours of the night when the galaxies are positioned high above.

After accumulating data over 11 nights, I have finally gathered enough information of the Bode's galaxy (M81 or Messier 81) and its near galaxy groups for post-processing. The outcome is satisfying, showcasing intricate details of the galaxy and vivid star colors. However, I acknowledge that this is not the perfect processed outcome. I remain optimistic that with continued refinement of my image processing skills, future attempts will unveil even more details from the collected data. Perhaps the next opportunity will yield an enhanced and perfected result of other examples.

- - - Imaging Details - - -
Deep Sky Object: Bode's Galaxy (M81) and Its Friends
Date: January – February, 2024 (11 nights)
Bortle Class: Tokyo, 8–9 Zone (Heavy Light Pollution)
Observation Device: Vespera (200mm f/4, Pixel Size: 2.9 µm)
Filter: No filter
Integration: 26 hrs 03 mins 30 secs
Sub-frames: 9,381
RAW TIFF files for stacking were generated via Singularity app (Vaonis)

Image processing device and software:
- - - Vespera Classic Observation Station: Vespera is a portable observation station, the perfect combination of telescope and camera. Smart and fully automated, Vespera is a revolution in the world of Astronomy. With a completely redesigned experience of observation, substituting the eyepiece with a mobile application, everyone can access the wonders of the Universe with ease. Official website: https://vaonis.com/vespera
- - - Siril: A free astronomical image processing software, is fully capable to pre-process and process astronomic images by offering to the users a large set of dedicated algorithms. Official website: https://siril.org
- - - GIMP: The Free & Open Source Image Editor. @GIMP Official website: https://www.gimp.org

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Settle in, relax, and enjoy the wonder of the deep sky imaging processing as it is designed without spoken commentary, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in beauty of our universe.
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- - - Table of Contents - - -
00:00 - Title
00:05 - Pre-processing by Siril
16:47 - Manual Stacking by Siril
18:20 - Post-processing by Siril, GIMP, and Photos
57:00 - Final Image

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