M101 and SN from Kelling Heath

[Carole]

Done over 3 nights as it was low and sinking.  Affected by the aurora on 26th as the images came out very red on the 2nd to 4th subs.

This is a difficult little sucker to nail as it's so faint, no chance at home - have tried before, so had to take the opportunity, especially while the SN is putting on a show.

All subs 5mins 800 ISO, Modified Canon 450D no filters
SW ED120, NEQ6 guided with PHD and QHY5
Slight crop as I didn't align the different nights up quite the same.
26-9-11 - 15 subs
27-9-11 - 6 subs
28-9-11 - 15 subs

Stacked the stacks in DSS and post processed in PS CS3
It's in the gallery if any-one wants a closer look, done with the new flattener  

[mickw]

Nice one and it looks like the flattener's working

[PhilB]

I think that your previous attempts were also marred by the heavy cropping that you were applying. This ones very good, I like it!

[RobertM]

The stars look quite large - is this the full frame?

[Carole]

It's about 3/4 of the frame Robert, I did not line the different nights up well enough to use the full frame.

Carole

[MarkS]

Carole,

This is a very difficult target, especially with it being so low in the sky, amongst all the mush.  It's come out reasonably well though and the faint arms are beginning to appear.

The supernova is quite prominent - you need to mark it somehow.

Mark

[Carole]

Thanks Mark, Phil and Robert.

The supernova is quite prominent - you need to mark it somehow.

I don't want to Mark the original image mark, but I have a 2nd version with it marked on my website.
Does any-one know of a straight line marking tool in photoshop, I've tried them all (as far as I can see), so ended up doing a hand draw mark which is less than straight.

Carole

[JohnP]

Not the best image but you got the SN which is great - Well done - John