Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Astrophotography => Topic started by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 14:18:17

Title: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 14:18:17
Well I had to do something last night. Would have normally done a galaxy with the 120.

There is some star flare, but have ordered the correct spacer. Could be some gradient, but difficult to see on this computer.

QSI/ED80 20x300, L, 0.8fr, flats dks bias, stacked in DSS

Quite a learning curve. It is different to the Atik. Have to remember a lot of new things & still learning. Once I have focus & framing, I should be better.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5508793655_516bfc184d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: mickw on Mar 08, 2011, 14:41:24
Well done Fay, nice start
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 14:59:18
Well thanks Mick. I would normally have used a CLS filter, but nowhere to put it if I am using a fr
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Mac on Mar 08, 2011, 15:13:47
Nice capture for a start,

Mac.

Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 15:23:14
Thanks Mac
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: RobertM on Mar 08, 2011, 16:21:43
Nice start Fay, not too shoddy for a first light :)
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 17:20:11
well Robert, thankyou, I will be ok once I know why what etc etc. It was only a trial I had messed about for 3 hours!!!!
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: PhilB on Mar 08, 2011, 17:49:16
Very nice, Fay. Especially so given the experimental nature of the session.
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: MarkS on Mar 08, 2011, 19:44:32

That's a great first light Fay.

I quite like seeing a lonely galaxy sitting in a wide star field like that - it gives a real sense of perspective.

I'm quite surprised how much faint stuff can be seen - especially as you did this without a filter.

Mark
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 19:46:55
Well I think I have it sussed now. (famous last words, I will probably eat them before the night is over) Framed @ 4x4 took 7secs, focused, bit dubious, but ok, 2x2, no figures showing in X & Y & I think if the shape of the rectangle is not to aa's liking , it does not show the star in the focus box. That is what it looks like anyway.

A minor glitch, it was only doing the first sub of a sequence & not saving it,  not sure why. I closed aa down & restarted & it is saving now.
That has happened a few times, I will suddenly realise what is not liked.

I am absolutely worn out today & was just going outside to sort a couple of things, but happy to be out longer now it is working ok.
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 19:50:35
Thanks Mark, yes I will only be able to use a cls with galaxies, if I do not use the flattener & put the 2" nosepiece on the QSI & put my 2" filter in the end. Perhaps I don't need a flattener for a galaxy if it is cropped.
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: MarkS on Mar 08, 2011, 20:54:06

Do you mean you don't have a filterwheel?
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 21:07:56
Yes but the L filter is used for galaxies. I used to screw a cls on the end of the nose
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Tony G on Mar 08, 2011, 21:29:13
Lovely image Fay. You must try this in colour.

Tony G
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: MarkS on Mar 08, 2011, 21:31:48

Why don't you put the CLS in the filter wheel?
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 22:38:55
because i am using the L in there
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Fay on Mar 08, 2011, 22:39:47
yes I want to do some colour, but the brain is overtaxed at the moment!!
Title: Re: M51 QSI 070311
Post by: Whitters on Mar 09, 2011, 00:19:03
Looking good Fay