Mosaic of Markarian's Chain

[allan gould]

Im attempting a large mosaic in Virgo to see how many galaxies that I can actually render in this region.
So far I have 5 panels of 4x5 min of Lum data with 5"apo and QSI583wsg. Hoping for a far larger set when the clouds go away but its been easier with SG Pro and the Great Atlas of The Sky to plan each shot.
Comments welcome

[DavidTrap]

You're going to have to give lessons on mosaics Allan!

DT

[peter_4059]

You've nailed the focus - those stars are pinpoint. Looking forward to the finished image.

[allan gould]

I got sidetracked tonight as its so clear for the first time in ages.
Ive always wanted to image NGC2442 (the meathook galaxy that Peter Marples pointed out to me) and Im using SG Pro to gather the data while I sit inside wtching TV. The autofocus routines are rally giving me sharp stars as the temperature falls and Im doing 30 minute subs here in the warm glow of BrisVegas with the 10" GSO RC. Im having a ball ATM and will get some colour tomorrow night on 2442.
Thanks for the comments Peter and David, very much appreciated. There are so many many small galaxies in the original which tend to get lost with the JPEG reduction but Im enjoying the mosaic. Cant wait until SG Pro makes this a totally automatic process.
Regards, Allan

[DavidU]

Very well put together Allan. Focus looks spot on.

[RickS]

Looking forward to this mosaic, Allan!

[multiweb]

Great project. Looks good already. :thumbsup:

[allan gould]

Thanks Dave, I have a long way to go with this and its just a start.

Me too!


Thanks Marc. Cant wait til SG Pro makes the mosaicing an automatic process which should be comming soon. The autofocus and sequence routines make this an easier approach that normal but I couldnt even attempt it if it wrent for the plate solving which is essential. It puts me to a few pixels of where I should be.
Allan

[strongmanmike]

Great project Allan, I imagine the smaller galaxies would be easier to pick out in the non negative version and at full res? Negative representations are good to show faint extensions and nebulosity/dust but not so good at showcasing tiny galaxies, if the negative is too white they are too hard to see or if you ramp up the contrast they start to look like black stars.

Mike

[ozstronomer]

Allan, you are on a roll with these mosaics, looks great so far.

Looking forward to seeing the full image.

[allan gould]

Mike
You are right as small galaxies are easier to see but I just liked the inverted image and went with that. I'm going to plan exactly where to go as its tempting to lose your resolve and start imaging all the goodies in Virgo.

Thanks for the comment Geoff, much appreciated and I'm also looking forward to the end but I think it may take a few seasons on and off. I need Bert's camera and scope in all reality.

[RobF]

Sounds like you've really got the technology working for your Allan. I've never really been happy with my automated mosaic'ing performance, so following your adventure with interest.

Its hard to beat a well performed mosaic for sheer scope and image tightness. Also a great way to increase your % of grey hair sometimes too though! :D

[allan gould]

Im using Sequence Generator Pro for the mosaics and the center here and autofocus routines make mosaicing very easy. That said they are actually implementing an automatic routine where by you define the object, give the no of frames to do and it will automatically start doing it, checking with plate solving that each frame gives the right overlap etc. Will be happening in a few more weeks iI suspect. SG Pro now handles it all including multiple tagets, autofocus, sequence of images and a whole lot more. Just so simple.

[Ross G]

Looks good Allan.

Good luck..great project.


Ross.