M20 - Trifid Nebula

[Drugl0rd (Chris)]

My 2nd attempt at trifid (my 1st was very bad, but a good learning experience!)

Skywatcher Dob (8") f/6
HEQ5pro
Canon 70D - afocal
Homemade Webcam finder/guider
BackyardEOS + PHD2
Mount controlled with EQASCOM + Cartes de Ciel

12 x 5min exposures (total: 60mins) - ISO1600
10 x 5min dark
10 x Bias
No flats

Stacked with DSS
Processed with photoshop

Thanks, hope you enjoy!

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

i've got to say chris that is a really well done second attempt! wow, mine was nowhere near this quality. you are well on your way, i will say that the biggest improvement from here is taking FLATS. they are quite easy to take, i'd recommend 'twilight flats' after sunset slewing to an even coloured part of the sky, set your dslr to Av, mode and snap away as much as you can. apply those flats into DSS. just make sure you don't rotate the camera and there will be effective. after that just more data

I quickly made an artificial flat and subtracted it from your image, to get rid of the gradient - this method is no substitute for real flats.



Cheers

Russ

[carlstronomy (Carl)]

Chris, that's a really nice image you should be proud. The stars are nice and round and with more data you could really make this one pop. Again as stated flats will make all the difference white T-shirt works great for me.



Carl

[Drugl0rd (Chris)]

Thank you for the replies, its encouraging to know that I am on the right track...

On the topics of flats, how long should I expose them for? 5 minutes at twilight will overexpose the image, so is there a suggested value?

Thanks again!

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Originally Posted by Drugl0rd

Thank you for the replies, its encouraging to know that I am on the right track...

On the topics of flats, how long should I expose them for? 5 minutes at twilight will overexpose the image, so is there a suggested value?

Thanks again!

if you remember to change the dial to Av it will expose automatically for you. if its getting darker you can up the iso if you choose.

some more info here http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-211-0-0-1-0.html