Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Astrophotography => Topic started by: Carole on Feb 27, 2011, 14:40:49

Title: Leo Triplet
Post by: Carole on Feb 27, 2011, 14:40:49
This is a painstaking process as it has already taken me 3 nights to capture only 15 x 5 mins subs with the constant cloudy skies.  Last night I was trying to catch 5min subs between the clouds.  I was hoping to add more to this before I posted, but the way things are going that could be next year!!  

So 15 x 5mins taken on:
12th Feb (7 subs)
14th Feb (3 subs)
26th Feb (5 subs)
Plus Darks, Flats and Bias
WO Megrez 72 APO, Modified Canon EOS 450D DSLR with CLS clip filter
Guided with QHY5 and PHD

I know it's noisy, will add more data if and when.

(http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10047/normal_Leo_triplet_12th%2C_14th___26th_Feb_2011_15_x_5_mins.jpg)
Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: MarkS on Feb 27, 2011, 15:12:46

Carole,

That's not bad from a sky polluted site - all the main features are beginning to appear.  It's an adventurous target to go for from such a location. 

Technically, the stars are nice and round - so your guiding is clearly working fine.  It's also been well processed. 

You really need some dark skies - you'll be amazed at the difference.  Here's hoping for next weekend's DSC.

Mark
Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: PhilB on Feb 27, 2011, 15:25:48
Looking good, Carole.
Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: Carole on Feb 27, 2011, 15:30:06
Thanks Mark and Phil, yes it would be nice to get to some unpolluted skies. 

Carole
Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: mickw on Feb 27, 2011, 15:34:50
It's getting there, well done.


How do you get rid of the Cyan that you get with the CLS ?
I'm guessing it's something simple that I'm missing.

Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: Carole on Feb 27, 2011, 15:36:22
QuoteHow do you get rid of the Cyan that you get with the CLS ?
Took me a long time to figure that out Mick.

On levels click on the middle dropper and then click on your sky background.  Then you just need to fiddle with levels and curves to get the right level of darkness.

Carole
Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: mickw on Feb 27, 2011, 15:52:40
Thanks - something else to play with  :)
Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: RobertM on Feb 27, 2011, 16:25:29
Getting there Carole.  It's a rather adventurous subject as Mark has pointed out but you've done well to bring out what you have. 
Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: Carole on Feb 27, 2011, 16:30:42
Thanks Robert. 

QuoteIt's a rather adventurous subject as Mark has pointed out

I am really using these galaxy images as practice for the "real thing".

Please let it be clear skies at Kelling.
:angel:

Carole
Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: The Thing on Feb 27, 2011, 17:11:44
Hi Carole,

Practice makes perfect, and you are definitely heading that way. This is in a good position as a practice target this month, I'll definitely be having another shot at it, adventurous or not.
Title: Re: Leo Triplet
Post by: Carole on Feb 27, 2011, 18:24:55
Thanks Duncan, see you were doing the same thing last night.  As you say practice makes perfect. 

Carole