IC 4603 - Crikey, 4 hrs exposure and I only got this?

[Andy01]

Hi folks,

Feeling somewhat deflated and depressed. :(

Clear nights here in Melbourne are rare as hen's teeth in winter, and we had a bit of a break last weekend so I was finally able to get out and go imaging. I've been looking forward to having a crack at IC 4603 as there have been some amazing widefield images taken of this region, but it's a rarer solo target.

Unfortunately, as luck would have it, on Sunday night my subject disappeared behind the newly built house next door around 1am, so I was only able to get around 2 1/2 hrs data. The next night I tried to get more but after 90 mins or so the clouds rolled in and that was that! :shrug:

I'm disappointed because after spending 4 hrs on this thing it's still (expletive deleted) dim. Moody? Yes, but looks like it needs another 8hrs worth. Maybe it's just not a realistic target for my current OSC setup.

I have a QSI 683 wsg8 on order, so maybe I'll have more luck with that when it arrives.

Some days you're the rooster and somedays you're the feather duster I guess, Meh :(

Thanks for looking anyway.

Cheers
Andy

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

It's a faint one that's for sure!

Nice work though Andy :thumbsup: especially from Melbourne.

Love your rooster comment!:rofl::rofl:

Cheers,

Justin.

[jjjnettie]

It's a faint one alright. Just keep adding to it and eventually the noise will go away and the detail will pop out.

[RickS]

If it helps, I'm still struggling to pull a decent halo out of IC 5148 after 38 hours of OIII. There's always someone with a bigger whinge :lol:

[Rod771]

Don't be too hard on yourself Andy :) IC 4603 would be a very big challenge imaged from the city or suburbs. I imaged it at IISAC this year and even at a dark site like Lostock the subs were coming up very faint.

It can be done with a OSC ,however a dark site and lots of integration time would help. Just make sure Antares doesn't photo bomb your field with streaks and reflections :mad2::)

Here's a three minute sub from IISAC, even taken with the Hyperstar at F2 it's very dim.

Keep at it :thumbsup:

[Andy01]

Thanks Justin, glad you saw the humour in the situation :)



Thanks JJJ, I'm not known for my patience at this time of the year, but perseverence will pay off in the end... :thumbsup:



Thanks for putting some perspective on this Rick, I'll pull my head in now :)



Hey Rod, mmmm Hyperstar f2 now you're talking :thumbsup:

Cheers everyone, really appreciate your support and comments. :thanx:

Andy

[Paul Haese]

Sub length will be an issue for you. How long are your subs? Are you using a light pollution filter?

When I did this a couple of years back I was doing 10 minute subs and those were not long enough for a 4" refractor.

[Andy01]

Hi Paul, thanks for your response :)

Yes, 24 x 10 min subs with Hutech IDAS LP filter. Not sure my EQ-6 will hold up to longer subs but open to suggestions.

I suspect though, that shooting LRGB from a dark site will be the go when my new camera arrives. (QSI 683 WSG8).

Cheers
Andy

[Paul Haese]

You will be surprised. Peter.M does 30 minute subs with his EQ5 and he gets nice round stars. PA is important, but you EQ6 will most likely give similar responses.