Chompa Chompa Chompa ... well ok NGC281

[RobertM]

I know, not a very good pacman impression ...

Pacman Nebula NGC281 from 24th Aug.

Posted via Flickr, 90 minutes Ha in 5 min subs with the Sky 90 and SXV-H9/Astronomik 13nm Ha filter.



Other sizes here : http://www.flickr.com/photos/29673723@N04/2809405970/sizes/l/

[Daniel]

Damn, not working!

[JohnP]

Robert that looks a lot better - looks like you brightened up the neb...

that's a great shot again - can't believe resultrs you are getting unguided....

John

[Daniel]

Fantastic! was this taken somewhere really dark? the contrast is lovely!

[RobertM]

Taken from sunny downtown Orpington so no not a dark site and there was high cloud but you have to take it when you can get it !

[Daniel]

That's just amazing then, love how flat the field is all the way across

[Fay]

Yes, you are getting some really good images, Robert. Such short subs as well.
I like this one, had not noticed it is quite a nice subject, before.

Must try it out.

Fay

[RobertM]

Fay, Shorter subs = less problems and since I nearly always catch a 747 before midnight it helps.  Also with the subjects being nearer the pole PA is not so critical so I can get away with unguided.  Both Cepheus and Cassiopea have some really lovely nebulae and now is a good time ... might try another one with the DSLR tonight - clear did you say ?  Mind you, your record recently is worse than the BBC so I'm not holding out much hope  

[Fay]

Is there a certain instance when you use OIII filter? Or do you use it when you fancy?

[RobertM]

Fay, I have never used an OIII filter but most if not all emission nebulae emit some light due to ionized Oxygen.  The band is generally not as bright as Ha - Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe so there's more of it about to be ionized.  I would say in answer that you need to give it a try on something you know has strong OIII emissions.  The Pacman nebula will be my first attempt.

Hope that helps

[MarkS]

Nice one Robert!

[RobertM]

Took 80 minutes of OIII and synthesised the green channel with Ha using Noels tools.  This is my first attempt with the OIII filter and didn't get the camera lined up between nights - doh !  Will also have to do some extra noise processing and it's going to need a whole lot more subs...

18 x 5 min Ha unguided
8 x 10 min OIII guided

Ha -> Red
OIII -> Blue
Synthesised -> Green

[MarkS]

Robert,

That is looking very good.  The detail is excellent, there are some lovely variations in nebulosity and the "guiding" is spot on.  Very nicely processed.

Mark

[JohnP]

and the "guiding" is spot on

Mark believe it or not I don't think Robert guides????

Robert - that image is looking fantastic - that is one of the best Pacman neb's I have seen - the colours are fantastic - not too 'overpowering' - All I can say is very expertly processed...

John

[MarkS]

Mark believe it or not I don't think Robert guides????

That's why I put "guiding" in quotes ...

[RobertM]

Thanks for the comments but I still have some way to go till I'm happy with this one.

Yes, I did actually guide the 10 minute subs as I've now got a guide scope to go with that 16IC though I'm not sure it made that much difference.  FWHM was about the same in both cases though I got the focusing closer with the OIII.  Going to try a new focusing mask next time and see if that improves things.

If I can resist the urge to go for another target I'll try and get a few more hours signal - OIII is not very strong so needs a lot of subs and the Ha needs a lot more to bring out the faint detail.

[JohnP]

Sorry Mark.... I misunderstood your "quotes".... John

[JohnP]

I did actually guide the 10 minute subs

Wrong again ... think I'll shut up........

John

[Fay]

Very nice Robert. What does a pacman look like?

[Rocket Pooch]

Fay do you not know what one is!!!!!  Well what can I say, honest, what you like, crikey, blimey etc.. 

Rob, nice image.

[Fay]

Ok I have just had a look & now know what it is.

I am sure that a similar motif used to be on clothing tags...........a while ago. I remember they were on my vests!!!!

[RobertM]

Looks like it's going to be the Canon for a while as the H9 has packed up.  Having some trouble with the USB hub so restarted it using the power lead now all I get is diagonal lines.  I'll try reflashing the bios if I can find the procedure anywhere as this was a previous fault otherwise it's off to SX again

[Rocket Pooch]

hmm wait a while and the 8.6mpix mono's will be here then sell it and get one of those!

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/business/ISS/Products/Fullframe/KAF-8300/overview.jhtml?pq-path=11937/11938/12138/12239

[RobertM]

Yep, my thoughts exactly depending on the price.

[RobertM]

SXV-H9 now fixed thanks to Terry at SX...

[Rocket Pooch]

That's good news, then you and I will both have to fight over one of those KAF cameras when they come out.

After I get another mount

[JohnP]

After I get another mount

Surely you mean after you get the one that's damaged repaired.....? Or are you talking about another acquisition...?

John

[Rocket Pooch]

Well, the EQ6 will be going this year and it will need a replacement.

But what will it be?

[JohnP]

U still got your name on that waiting list??????

[RobertM]

G41 I reckon, I thought Ian King had one of those but sold it.  The AP900's are pricey but if you did get one you'd wish you had paid a few quid more for an AP1200.  The next step up is a relatively expensive one unless you can pickup something good second hand.