Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Astrophotography => Topic started by: MarkS on Aug 23, 2010, 23:16:45

Title: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: MarkS on Aug 23, 2010, 23:16:45
Finally processed it!  This time with no Perseid.

Data taken over 3 nights:  6, 9 & 10 August
55 x 5 min exposures
Usual setup:  H-alpha modified Canon EOS 350D on Banana Scope (Tak Epsilon 180ED at F2.8 ).  IR/UV filter only.
(http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10046/normal_m31_10082010.jpg)

Large version here (full size but slightly cropped):
http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10046/m31_10082010.jpg

I would need to go to a very dark site in order to improve upon this.  However, I might shoot some H-alpha data for it at some stage ...

Mark
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Aug 23, 2010, 23:19:58
Very nice, if a little blue, just a little.

You need a Takahashi 125mm F2.8 to fit it on the chip :-)  M31 is massive!


Chris
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: MarkS on Aug 23, 2010, 23:56:44

Yes - M31 is huge - I didn't quite realise how big it is.

You're right - it's far too blue.  Try this one instead:
(http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10046/normal_m31_10082010v2.jpg)

Large version: http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10046/m31_10082010v2.jpg

Mark
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: Mac on Aug 24, 2010, 02:17:51
looking good,
Just counting down the days untill i restart.
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Aug 24, 2010, 08:03:57
Better just need the Ha now :-)
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: RobertM on Aug 24, 2010, 09:17:33
A really impressive result that - there's really no stopping you now is there ;-)

Colour wise I'd suggest you do a G2V calibration to get it right though I think somewhere between the two you posted would be be my personal choice.

I did some tests on the size of this last year and it's a real squeeze with 400mm fl and an APS chip.  I think 300mm is probably ideal but my attempt will probably be at 200mm.

Robert
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: Fay on Aug 24, 2010, 11:43:44
Mark that is really great. I want to do this again in France, as I have only done an 8x300!
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Aug 24, 2010, 20:40:53
G2V thats ok if you can spot one!!!
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: The Thing on Aug 27, 2010, 09:31:49
Amazing detail on the big version.

What is the glow top right? It looks like nebulosity but I can't find anything around there in planetaria.
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: MarkS on Aug 27, 2010, 12:06:38
Quote from: Duncan
What is the glow top right? It looks like nebulosity but I can't find anything around there in planetaria.

It's from a very bright bluish star (you can see it it the image of Andromeda and the Perseid).  I cropped the image to cut the star from the final picture but some of the bluish light remains.  Leaving such a bright star visible at the edge of the image was just too distracting.

Mark
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: The Thing on Aug 27, 2010, 14:15:38
Nu And/35 And B2V. Thanks Mark.
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: MarkS on Aug 27, 2010, 15:19:24
Duncan,

You've changed your name and your avatar!

Mark
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: The Thing on Aug 27, 2010, 18:12:18
It's 'cos I've discovered my true identity :-) and also to celebrate my impending notoriety as the February pin-up of the next calendar. If the editorial staff approve of course. Your pic scaled down looks excellent.
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: Mike on Aug 27, 2010, 19:19:38
Quote from: The Thing on Aug 27, 2010, 18:12:18
It's 'cos I've discovered my true identity :-) and also to celebrate my impending notoriety as the February pin-up of the next calendar. If the editorial staff approve of course. Your pic scaled down looks excellent.

Oh dear. You've let everyone know a potential Calendar page. We'll just have to cancel that one and choose something else ;)
Title: Re: Andromeda Galaxy from Riberac
Post by: The Thing on Aug 27, 2010, 19:39:53
I wouldn't want the paparazzi attention anyway. 8)