M42

[Jim]

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.

[RobertM]

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

[Fay]

That is fantastic Jim!!

[Mike]

Wow!!   

What a difference Jim. Great image. can't wait to see what you will do once the guiding is turned ON !!

[Daniel]

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)

[mickw]

Nice work Jim

[Jim]

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!

[MarkS]

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  

[Rocket Pooch]

Jim,

With your kit you should do better, no excuses now

Chris


P.S. Nice first light.

[Fay]

Have you the built in filter wheel Jim?

[Rocket Pooch]

Yes he has, you know you want one!!!!

[Fay]

HELP!!!

[PhilB]

Buy it now, Fay. Before the VAT increase.

[RobertM]

HELP!!!

Fay, you're well beyond that ! Anyway have you got any money left after the leather sleeping bag 

[Rocket Pooch]

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

[Fay]

I am not a one to get tempted.......................

[mickw]

When does it get delivered ?

[Mac]

will you get a discount if you get two?

[Carole]

Very nice Jim

[Rocket Pooch]

I am not a one to get tempted.......................

Somehow I do not beleive that....

[Jim]

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.

[RobertM]

I'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

[Jim]

Didn't realise I could do that. How about this

[Carole]

That's amazing for such short exposures Jim.

Carole

[MarkS]

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

[Fay]

Yes I have been studying FITS liberator for processing, the last couple of days

[Tony G]

Great image Jim and a lovely first light.

Tony G

[Mac]

excellent reprocess.

Mac.

[Jim]

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).

[Fay]

RTFM?

[Mac]

Come on Fay

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

[Fay]

Thanks Mac, that cleared that up..............

[MarkS]

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.

[mickw]

I wish I hadn't read the spec. on that camera 

[Fay]

So you want one..........

[mickw]

So you want one..........

Might do 

[Jim]

Thanks Mark, that's quite a compliment! Not sure how to resize it so I'll PM you the file.