M65 and M66 26/27 Feb 2011

[The Thing]

Canon 350Da ISO800 13(20)x300s (1h05m) 20 flats, darks, 10 bias. Kappa Sigma stacked 2.5 3 in DSS. All processing in DSS. Centre of image processed only. Nearly forgot, captured using APT and PHD with autodithering set to 3px.

I am very happy with this. I wish there hadn't been so much 'clear sky' as I would have had a lot more usable subs. Must get a grip on the processing.
Full resolution version.


(About half size).

[MarkS]

I like the scale on the half size one and there's some nice detail beginning to emerge there.

The processing has been well executed.

What Focal length and F-ratio were you working at?

Mark

[The Thing]

It was about 1250mm f5.5ish using the Baader Telecompressor. I did get Maxim to work out the correct focal length for the combination but didn't write it down! As usual if I'd taken more time and checked the collimation I would probably have got more detail.

Am I correct in thinking that more subs would smooth the background as the noise reduced?

[RobertM]

Nice detail there Duncan and it looks like you've worked well to keep the noise down.  Could be a bit greenish but that's probably the filter kicking in.

Robert

[The Thing]

Thanks Robert.

Here's a bit of a re-process, all in DSS. Still no sharpening. Full Size Version 2

[mickw]

That's made quite a difference, nice one,

[MarkS]

Am I correct in thinking that more subs would smooth the background as the noise reduced?

Yes, the background will smooth as you increase the subs.

You've done an excellent job with the re-process.

Mark

[Fay]

Well done Duncan, you are pleased with that! I did not know you could process in DSS

[Rocket Pooch]

Wow your guiding looks good, well done.

[Whitters]

Nice image Duncan, did you use any filters?

[The Thing]

Thanks. My best to date by a long way.

Just the usual astronomik CLS-CCD filter.

Guiding with the 50 mm finderscope and QHY5 is much more accurate than when I was using a skywatcher 80AT. The fork mount doesn't like being loaded up even if well balanced. Also I have phd turned down to 70% with 20% hysteresis to smooth the graph.

[Fay]

Duncan, I am very pleased for you that you have a made a big headway!! Bet you are straining at the leash for a good DSC now.

[Mac]

Nice capture.

[Tony G]

Great image Duncan.

Tony G

[Carole]

You've got in really deep there Duncan.  I think there is still a little bit more you could pull out. 

I like the re-process.

Carole