Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Astrophotography => Topic started by: Ivor on Mar 12, 2012, 22:48:35

Title: First light with my new SBIG ST8300M & FLT110
Post by: Ivor on Mar 12, 2012, 22:48:35
Oh Boy what a difference a decent camera makes

(http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10056/normal_ROSETTE-median-H-II-mk-ii.jpg)

Just managed to capture 8 X 10m @ -20C subs of Rosette in H-alpha, while working out the new software and camera, I still need to adjust the reducer as the stars are elongated in the corners.

Going from struggling with EOS to this is only going to be a joy I have more data than I know what to do with  :D
Title: Re: First light with my new SBIG ST8300M & FLT110
Post by: MarkS on Mar 12, 2012, 23:46:43
Very nice Ivor.  It's certainly a great first light!

Narrowband imaging is definitely the way to go in a light polluted location and the Rosette always looks particularly good in H-alpha.

If you can manage it, get some H-alpha of the Horsehead before it disappears until next Winter - the moon is out of the way now.  It will be a great scale through your FLT110 and you'll be amazed at what you can see.

Mark
Title: Re: First light with my new SBIG ST8300M & FLT110
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 13, 2012, 06:47:36
Well done Ivor, you will now be into long integrations and thejoy of colour balance :-) looks good for a 1st light.
Title: Re: First light with my new SBIG ST8300M & FLT110
Post by: Jim on Mar 13, 2012, 07:38:19
Congrats Ivor, that's a lovely first image
Title: Re: First light with my new SBIG ST8300M & FLT110
Post by: Ivor on Mar 13, 2012, 09:48:17
Thanks everyone, I need to create the bias and flats frames to see if they will improve it and I'm sure I'll have loads of processing questions on Friday night :)

Alas M42 is behind the neighbour's apple tree by the time I get home so I'll have to wait for the autumn, my next target is IC443 - Jellyfish nebula
if I get some clear nights I'll be able to collect the other narrow bands as well. Hopefully I'll enough data to play with while I wait for the next clear night!!
Title: Re: First light with my new SBIG ST8300M & FLT110
Post by: Fay on Mar 14, 2012, 08:17:29
i also was amazed when I got my first Rosette. you get value for money with this nebula

really good first light Ivor 
Title: Re: First light with my new SBIG ST8300M & FLT110
Post by: Ivor on Mar 25, 2012, 13:41:49
Having borrowed an image processing DVD of Carole (Thanks again) I've revisited this image, I need to learn a few more tricks in Photoshop but I think I've made progress.

(http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10056/normal_ROSETTE-median-H-II-mk-iv.jpg)
Title: Re: First light with my new SBIG ST8300M & FLT110
Post by: Mike on Mar 25, 2012, 20:23:54
I prefer the original image myself. I think you've overcooked this version.