With the IIS server going down this post was lost... so here it is again
About 900 light years away, this faint molecular cloud lies in the constellation Eridanus but it is actually lit up by the brilliant giant blue white star Rigel, the brightest star in Orion and seventh brightest star in the sky. Faint red hydrogen emission also permeates the whole scene. The profile of a witch's face is clearly seen in the cloud, complete with straggly hair, big eye sockets, a hooked nose, open mouth and big chin
I went for a very natural colour look and tried really hard to maintain the gaseous appearance of the nebula and capture all the subtle colours of the region. To facilitate this, I used no deconvolution or gradient removal (it didn't need any as this passes through the darkest part of my sky), no star reduction and almost no noise reduction (just a tad on the faintest Ha puffs)
With the IIS server going down this post was lost... so here it is again can't upload an image attachment now though..? hopefully the links work?
About 900 light years away, this faint molecular cloud lies in the constellation Eridanus but it is actually lit up by the brilliant giant blue white star Rigel, the brightest star in Orion and seventh brightest star in the sky. Faint red hydrogen emission also permeates the whole scene. The profile of a witch's face is clearly seen in the cloud, complete with straggly hair, big eye sockets, a hooked nose, open mouth and big chin
I went for a very natural colour look and tried really hard to maintain the gaseous appearance of the nebula and capture all the subtle colours of the region. To facilitate this, I used no deconvolution or gradient removal (it didn't need any as this passes through the darkest part of my sky), no star reduction and almost no noise reduction (just a tad on the faintest Ha puffs)
I saw a few had replied to my original post version, before the IIS server went down yesterday, so thanks to all you guys too
I wish I could claim most of the kudos for how well these images are coming out ...but really, it is mostly the scope and camera and the processing has been a breeze ...I do have to drive out and turn the dome and baby sit the scope..?.. so, hey, I do have some input I guess..?
Before the crash I mentioned the delightful collection of distant background galaxies, with shape and form and detail. Probably forgot the bleeding obvious: the whole image is magnificent.
Before the crash I mentioned the delightful collection of distant background galaxies, with shape and form and detail. Probably forgot the bleeding obvious: the whole image is magnificent.
Best,
Mike
Cheers Mike and Trish, there is always something about finding faint galaxies in and around lots of dust and gas
Finally found your new place on Google Earth, what a great spot you guys have there, very dark Bortle 2 (and almost 1 ) too with SQM 21.98...niiice, if the seeing cooperates you will be an even heavier hitter
...
Finally found your new place on Google Earth, what a great spot you guys have there, very dark Bortle 2 (and almost 1 ) too with SQM 21.98...niiice, if the seeing cooperates you will be an even heavier hitter
Mike
There's a small light dome from Goulburn 20km away but it does look pretty dark here. The seeing can't be as bad as Grose Vale (? ?). Alas, it will be months before I can start imaging again (clean optics, rebuild observatory, reassemble and re-collimate).
That is an amazing shot Mike....so much depth and so much clarity.
This kind of quality really is something we can all aspire to try and produce
Thanks very much Jon
Quote:
Originally Posted by marc4darkskies
There's a small light dome from Goulburn 20km away but it does look pretty dark here. The seeing can't be as bad as Grose Vale (? ?). Alas, it will be months before I can start imaging again (clean optics, rebuild observatory, reassemble and re-collimate).
I have a good feeling for you ..you should order that 24" F3.3 SDM now
That is one beautiful photo!
So sharp and detailed.
Great colour and I love the composition.
I have been away from this hobby for a while and to come back to photos of this quality inspires me to get back into again.
An FSQ with a large chip ccd in your hands is such a deadly weapon!...I look forward to many more amazing widefield photos from you.
Ross.
Gee thanks a lot Rossco From first dreaming about it and waiting nearly 2 years, from first inception to finally getting it happening, I couldn't be happier with how it all works
hopefully the links work?
...but really, it is mostly the scope and camera and the processing has been a breeze 
...I do have to drive out and turn the dome and baby sit the scope..?.. so, hey, I do have some input I guess..? 
) too with SQM 21.98...niiice, if the seeing cooperates you will be an even heavier hitter 
?). Alas, it will be months before I can start imaging again (clean optics, rebuild observatory, reassemble and re-collimate).
..you should order that 24" F3.3 SDM now 
