NGC2070 Ha with OSC

[ReaPerMan]

Now that the wind has died it's possible to do some Deep Space Pics. With the near full moon it was a good opportunity to go forward and try some imaging with my Ha filter. After my experiment last week I deceided to keep the QHY10 at bin 1X1 and just use the red channel. I picked NGC2070 as far from the moon as I could. Guiding was working really well and I was able to get 5 hours of subs.

Comments and advice would be appreciated as I haven't had much experience in processing the B/W. Next trick will be to add some colour when the moon goes away.

North Group ED127 APO, on EQ6Pro, QHY10 OSC, Guided by lodestar via OAG. 20 X 900sec subs (5 hours). Stacked with CCDStack, finished in CS6.

Full pic: http://upload.pbase.com/paulstorey/image/148477718/large

Thanks for looking

Paul :thumbsup:

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

Massive amount of detail in your image Paul!

Your using some nice gear, a little bit envious!

Cheers,

Justin.

[ReaPerMan]

Thanks Justin,

I've been envious about how much imaging you have been doing. This last week has been the most imaging that i've been able to do in nearly 5 months. What gear you have does not matter if you can't get it out of the shed!

all the best

Paul :thumbsup:

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

Too true Paul!

Cheers,

Justin.

[Larryp]

Great image, Paul. Lots of fine detail:thumbsup:

[allan gould]

Now thats a fine image. Love the Sn remants that you have captured. Ive never done Red/Ha only with the QHY10 but may give it a go.
Allan

[ReaPerMan]

Thanks Larry, This is the longest exposure that I have done. It's good to see that it was worth it.



Thank you Allan. The QHY10 is a versitile little beast and as I didn't have a filter wheel to suit I connected it to one of these

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p2159_Filterschublade-inkl--1-Einschub-fuer-2--Filter---kurzbauend.html

It makes it so easy to just put in one filter. I also went with the option for the TS off axis guider from the same article.

If you can you should really have a try at the Red/Ha.

all the best

Paul

[RickS]

Nice image, Paul!

[alistairsam]

That looks great Paul, lots of detail.
Have you noticed any difference with the 1x1 bin vs 2x2 in terms of clarity?
In the link, the right side is darker than the left, any idea why that could be?
You've inspired me to get some Ha done with my OSC as well. just need these clouds to clear up.
A reducer would help shorten your exposure for wide DSO's.
I've started compiling a list of targets suitable for Ha imaging.
Look forward to more.

[ReaPerMan]

Thanks Rick.



thanks very much.
The 1X1 binning has a higher resolution even when taking into account throwing away the G and B channels. The 2X2 is obviously more sensitive for the same given exposure time.
I have become aware of difference between the R and L sides and I'm not sure if this is a gradient or if there is a difference inherent in the area?
I have been trying to use a PFlat4 lent to me by a friend but for some reason I have had difficulty in getting it to focus with my imaging setup (more fiddling required).
The length of the subs does not worry me. As my polar alignment has improved and my guiding become more accurate then I have increased my sub length. Short subs with the QHY have produced a lot of noise for me in the past. If you have a problem getting long subs then as you suggested a focal reducer or the Binning at 2X2 would allow you to use shorter subs.

Thank you for all your suggestions / questions :)

[ReaPerMan]

Regarding the possibility of a gradient I was looking at other pictures of the area and this one http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=101771 from David Trap shows the dark to the left light to the right ( it's reversed 180 from mine) that I was expecting when I took the picture. How much is gradient and how much is the LMC? Is it right to process it out just for a pleasing effect??

[Ross G]

Nice photo Paul.

Lots of detail especially from a OSC.

Ross.

[ReaPerMan]

Thank you Ross.

[Harel_Boren]

it's a lovely image - osc or not.
... these Southen Skies of yours too ...
Just lovely !
Cheers,
Harel

[ReaPerMan]

Hi Harel, yes the OSC refers to the fact that the picture is from just the red channel on the OSC. I have 2 nights off after tonight and I'm hoping to take a few hours of colour to add to this picture.

I would say that I can think of a few northern targets that I would like to image too!

All the best

Paul :thumbsup:

[David Fitz-Henr]

That's a great image Paul - lots of detail in there! Look forward to seeing the colour version.