Chameleon Dark Cloud Complex - From Wiruna

[AstroJason]

Hey all,

Here is another image I have been working on since my week away at Bretti and Wiruna. This one is a little off the beaten track, the Chameleon Dark Cloud Complex. I don't think this is imaged that often but I am starting to get an interest in imaging regions of dark clouds and reflection nebulae such as this.

I had a lot of challenges getting this image. First was framing the image. It was so dim, it was hard to tell if I was in the correct spot and had to rely on my alignment and the dim stars in the area to ensure I did in fact have the right location. Secondly, I had a lot of trouble getting long enough subs near the pole. Eventually I was able to push the subs to 5 minutes unguided and was pretty happy about that as this target really needs long subs.

So what you see here is my longest total exposure length to date being 4 hours. I thought it was risky using so much of 1 night on this target considering I was not sure I even had it in the frame but I really wanted to give it a try.

Usual camera set up... Canon 6D, 70-200mm f/4L IS lens at 200mm stopped down to f/5.6 and ISO3200.

I am not entirely happy with the image compared to my other work but figured I would post it anyway. I think it really needs more data to help bring out the dark clouds and maybe a little more focal length than just 200mm.

A much higher res version can be found here. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59004995@N04/15295924179/)

As always thanks for looking and feedback is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Jason

[strongmanmike]

Yeah? well maybe but mate I recon it's excellent and besides, we don't see that many good wide field vistas, there should be more of'em :thumbsup: I like the grey smoke everywhere and yellow and white stars too.

You have been churning out some nice wide fields of late Jason , really enjoying them, would love to do some myself.....

Mike

[Placidus]

Interesting and pleasing to the eye. Bravo for imaging off the beaten track.

[RickS]

The dusty shots are always interesting. Nicely done, Jason!

[atalas]

Nice seeing such a large field around the Chameleon Cloud...good work.

[Ross G]

Great looking photo Jason. Love the detail and colours.

A good wide view of a very dark and obscure object.
I didn't even know it existed until Louie (Atalas) showed me it back in January under the dark skies of Coonabarabran.

Widefield imaging with camera lenses is my favourite and you have been producing some excellent photos lately.

Hope to see more.

Ross.

[multiweb]

Looks great in widefield. Love the dust against the stars. Like a mini dark dooda. :thumbsup:

[AstroJason]

Thanks so much Mike, appreciate such positive feedback from someone who produces so many incredible and inspiring images. Means a lot to me and I am glad you are enjoying them!



Thanks mate, its my first "off the beaten track" image. Did my best to frame it so it looked interesting.



Thanks Rick, yes, I think I have been bitten by the "dusty shot" bug. Want to do more images like this.



Thanks Louie, I wasn't sure if some of the detail within the cloud would be resolvable at 200mm but there is a bit there.



Thanks Ross. I worked hard to bring out the subtle colours in this field. I too only recently heard about it and thought it would be an interesting target to try with my gear. Widefield imaging is really fun and I have been really enjoying it. Glad you like my shots and yes, there is more to come!



Thanks Marc, it does look like a mini dooda, might give that a try next season!

[Geoff45]

It's amazing how interesting dust can be. Doesn't have the "Wow" factor of some technicolour bright nebulosity, but somehow the the subtlety is much more pleasing to the eye.
Geoff

[lazjen]

That's pretty good and I think the risk paid off.