Orion Nebula

[cjpops (Craig)]

Hi all,

Id like to share my first photo of the Orion Nebula - single shot using a 8” Skywatcher Newt (200/1000) mounted onto a NEQ6 Pro - Nikon D7100 - 60 secs - 800iso - processed in photoshop.

I’m still trying to get my head around the dark, bias and flat methods so hopefully I can apply these techniques in my next attempt.

I’ve also noticed a slight star trail, wondering if this is a sign of a poor polar alignment?

Thanks

[PaulSthcoast (Paul)]

Hi Craig,

A really nice image, well done !

I am looking forward to tonight's Orion ,
the sky hasn't been clear here in weeks.

Might just say one thing...and to quote Mr Squiggle...

Upside down Miss Jane....Upside down !!

Seriously though, I love the composition.


Paul.

[xa-coupe (Jeff)]

The colour is great, the purple gives it a brooding feel.


I can't really tell given the size of the pic, but it looks like the coma is in one part only ... if this is so a reflector guru can help.


Otherwise, if you're unguided on something with 1000mm FL, 60 secs will be pushing the envelope unless your alignment is absolutely perfect.

[PKay (Peter)]

Love the framing Craig

Great shot...

[Startrek (Martin)]

Originally Posted by cjpops

Hi all,

Id like to share my first photo of the Orion Nebula - single shot using a 8” Skywatcher Newt (200/1000) mounted onto a NEQ6 Pro - Nikon D7100 - 60 secs - 800iso - processed in photoshop.

I’m still trying to get my head around the dark, bias and flat methods so hopefully I can apply these techniques in my next attempt.

I’ve also noticed a slight star trail, wondering if this is a sign of a poor polar alignment?

Thanks

I use a 6” and 8” newt
Yes coma is in your off axis area plus stars are a bit odd shaped due to polar alignment
Recommend a Baader coma corrector MCCP Mklll to correct your coma
You eventually need to autoguide to push past 60 sec , your polar alignment can only be as good as your equipment allows and sky conditions allow
For guiding I recommend an Orion 60mm guide scope with helical focuser with a ZWOASI120MM- S guide camera piggy backed on your 8” newt with a losmandy 11” bar and PHD2 guiding software ( free )
Cheers
Newt lover

[cjpops (Craig)]

Thanks everyone.

I currently have a 50mm Orion guidescope and a zwo120mm mini and using Sharpcap to polar align - I can’t seem to get it perfect on the spot but it says ‘excellent’ when I managed to do the adjustments.

Also forgot to add, I put my Orion laser into the newt and noticed it’s off centre.. would this also cause issues?

[Startrek (Martin)]

Originally Posted by cjpops

Thanks everyone.

I currently have a 50mm Orion guidescope and a zwo120mm mini and using Sharpcap to polar align - I can’t seem to get it perfect on the spot but it says ‘excellent’ when I managed to do the adjustments.

Also forgot to add, I put my Orion laser into the newt and noticed it’s off centre.. would this also cause issues?

Make sure your newtonian is collimated correctly
Use a Cheshire to align the secondary first then the primary second and a laser for final check of Collimation
Refer to Astrobaby.com for Collimation procedures

[cjpops (Craig)]

Thanks Martin

[Robert_T]

AMazing detail for a single 60s. As others have said 60s is pushing no-guiding...that said I dont think that's the major issue with the star "coma" progressively down the image...suggests a tilt in the optical train... but Im no expert with Newtonians...there may be other factors.