Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Astrophotography => Topic started by: Jim on Nov 11, 2010, 11:57:07

Title: M42
Post by: Jim on Nov 11, 2010, 11:57:07
First attempt with my new setup. Have upgraded the Sphinx mount with the NexSXD motor board which turns it into a celestron. What a difference, tracking is nice and smooth now and there's a lot more functionality in the software.

Meade 127ED
QSI 583 CCD
Ha filter (6nm)
19 x 60 secs

Kept it simple so no guiding, darks, bias or flats. Stacked in Nebulosity, stretched in FITS liberator.

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1397/5166035937_a44ee1b465_z.jpg)
Title: Re: M42
Post by: RobertM on Nov 11, 2010, 12:10:44
What a lovely start Jim !  The camera seems to be doing the business and 6nm filter is a good compromise.  You should get some top results from that kit now especially the mount is now sorted.

Since you seem to have got everything else right I think you could be a bit less aggressive with the black point.  That whole background region has nebulosity so should be a lot lighter.

Great first light, I'm looking forward to the colour version now !

Robert
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Fay on Nov 11, 2010, 12:13:42
That is fantastic Jim!!
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Mike on Nov 11, 2010, 12:16:57
Wow!!   :o

What a difference Jim. Great image. can't wait to see what you will do once the guiding is turned ON !!
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Daniel on Nov 11, 2010, 12:22:30
That's a lovely image Jim, the balance between the outer nebulosity and inner core is fantastic!

Makes me want one of those 6nm Ha filters myself, but alas my hyperstar would never stand for it!

Daniel
:O)

Title: Re: M42
Post by: mickw on Nov 11, 2010, 12:22:36
Nice work Jim
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Jim on Nov 11, 2010, 12:25:26
Thanks all for your kind comments. I have a lot to learn still but am taking Roberts advice to start simple and learn one thing at a time!
Title: Re: M42
Post by: MarkS on Nov 11, 2010, 12:25:48
That's a very nice image you've got there Jim.

It certainly proves everything is working.

Now all you need is a few cloud-free, mist-free nights.  Unfortunately, Mac is just about to build an observatory  :(
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 11, 2010, 12:38:09
Jim,

With your kit you should do better, no excuses now :-)

Chris


P.S. Nice first light.
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Fay on Nov 11, 2010, 12:40:18
Have you the built in filter wheel Jim?
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 11, 2010, 12:50:53
Yes he has, you know you want one!!!!
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Fay on Nov 11, 2010, 14:03:02
HELP!!!
Title: Re: M42
Post by: PhilB on Nov 11, 2010, 14:34:32
Buy it now, Fay. Before the VAT increase.
Title: Re: M42
Post by: RobertM on Nov 11, 2010, 14:50:14
QuoteHELP!!!

Fay, you're well beyond that ! Anyway have you got any money left after the leather sleeping bag  :lol:
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 11, 2010, 15:52:22
Fay,

Buy it but it, look how nice and smooth Jim's image is, its excellent and better than your images, and yet he really is not as good as you.  Imagine the results you will get.

Chris
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Fay on Nov 11, 2010, 16:45:36
I am not a one to get tempted.......................
Title: Re: M42
Post by: mickw on Nov 11, 2010, 17:06:05
When does it get delivered ?

:twisted:
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Mac on Nov 11, 2010, 17:55:19
will you get a discount if you get two?
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Carole on Nov 11, 2010, 21:20:33
Very nice Jim
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 11, 2010, 21:23:33
Quote from: Fay on Nov 11, 2010, 16:45:36
I am not a one to get tempted.......................

Somehow I do not beleive that....
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Jim on Nov 12, 2010, 11:59:36
Had another go at processing in nebulosity, added in darks and flats (so nice to take your darks in a warm room!!). I'm amazed how such a short exposure can bring out so much detail.

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/5168684791_46ec4aa460.jpg)
Title: Re: M42
Post by: RobertM on Nov 12, 2010, 12:23:39
QuoteI'm amazed how such a short exposure can bring out so much detail.

That's the combination of a cooled camera and narrowband filter.  The filter in particular will remove a lot of the light pollution and tighten up stars a lot.  You've also stacked a lot of exposures which helps reduce noise a lot.

You might want to try posting a larger image sometime ;-)
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Jim on Nov 12, 2010, 12:29:03
Didn't realise I could do that. How about this

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/5168684791_46ec4aa460_b.jpg)
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Carole on Nov 12, 2010, 12:54:58
That's amazing for such short exposures Jim.

Carole
Title: Re: M42
Post by: MarkS on Nov 12, 2010, 13:49:45
I love the big version - lots of detail! 
It's very smooth and you've done a really good job of processing it.
I've never thought of using Fits Liberator - I'll have to take a look.

Mark
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Fay on Nov 12, 2010, 14:57:59
Yes I have been studying FITS liberator for processing, the last couple of days
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Tony G on Nov 12, 2010, 15:11:08
Great image Jim and a lovely first light. ;)

Tony G
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Mac on Nov 12, 2010, 16:00:24
excellent reprocess.

Mac.
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Jim on Nov 12, 2010, 16:09:59
Thanks very much, I broke the rule of a lifetime and decided to RTFM before I used Nebulosity! I've had Mark's "The Cave" as my screensaver since august but that's for the bin now (sorry Mark).
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Fay on Nov 12, 2010, 16:30:32
RTFM?
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Mac on Nov 12, 2010, 16:50:21
Come on Fay :roll:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RTFM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RTFM)

:cheesy:
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Fay on Nov 12, 2010, 17:02:15
Thanks Mac, that cleared that up..............
Title: Re: M42
Post by: MarkS on Nov 12, 2010, 20:26:39
Quote from: Jim
I've had Mark's "The Cave" as my screensaver since august but that's for the bin now (sorry Mark).

No offence taken - in fact I'd like to return the compliment by using yours as my wallpaper - have you got a 1280x1024 version?  It has a very ethereal look to it.
Title: Re: M42
Post by: mickw on Nov 13, 2010, 07:55:33
I wish I hadn't read the spec. on that camera  :(
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Fay on Nov 13, 2010, 08:30:46
So you want one..........
Title: Re: M42
Post by: mickw on Nov 13, 2010, 08:47:50
QuoteSo you want one..........

Might do  :oops:
Title: Re: M42
Post by: Jim on Nov 13, 2010, 10:35:52
Thanks Mark, that's quite a compliment! Not sure how to resize it so I'll PM you the file.