NGC 1977 "Running Man"

[PRejto]

This started out as a test for various UV blocking filters and ended up in a quick image. Had good weather remained I would have doubled the R and G subs to match the blue.

TEC180 G2-8300 Luminance 5 x 360 sec + 17 x 390 sec = 136.5 min

TEC140 Trius R 10 x 90 sec + 25 x 120 sec = 63 min
G 7 x 90 sec + 22 x 120 sec = 54.5 min
B 7 X 90 sec + 25 x 120 sec = 60.5 min
B (Baader Fringe Killer) 20 x 180 sec = 60 min

I had the extra 1 hour in blue after testing the Baader Fringe Killer filter. I used the subs together with "regular" blue subs only because I had them and I thought I'd get a smoother less noisy blue (which I did). Because the red channel is noisy I have cut resolution by 50%.

The choice was to put this up or file it away. Given the Christmas colours I decided to give it a go. Thanks for looking!

http://www.astrobin.com/full/142799/0/

Peter

[batema]

I think it looks beautiful.

[gregbradley]

You've done a great job there. It seems you have handled the blue halo issue very well.

Nice one.

Greg.

[alpal]

Hi Peter,
I think it looks great - I don't mind a bit of noise in images -
it makes it look more natural rather than overly smooth & fake.
Well done.

cheers
Allan

[astronobob]

Grouse one Peter :thumbsup:

[redbeard]

Very Nice!

Thanks for sharing.

Damien

[RickS]

A nice result, Peter.

[Paul Haese]

Well done Peter. The colours look good. Like you said a quick image but only a small amount of errant noise in the darker areas in the full res. I really like the level of detail present with the delicate wisps of gas in the reflection areas being prominent.

[beren]

:thumbsup: Very nice....great gear as well

[PRejto]

Thanks Mark, I appreciate the comment! Are you still getting yourself a TEC140?



Thanks Greg! Every time I use the TEC180 I'm just amazed at the amount of detail I get in the luminance with the KAF8300 CCD. I sure am impressed with this scope! The blue halo issue wasn't such a big deal in this image. On the other hand it was a really big deal imaging the "Cosmic Gecko" NGC6520. I'm not totally sure why just yet.



Since this lousy weather has set in - even though I've "resolved" to do longer total integration - that you "don't mind" a bit of noise is also a bit of relief!! Someday I do hope to present a naturally smooth image!





Thanks Damien!



Thank you Rick. I may have pushed the blue a bit too far. I have two versions..one a bit more muted. Maybe it's all the Christmas lights around!



Many thanks Paul. Your comment means a lot! Someday I hope to move my gear to a worthy location. Until then I'm afraid I will never defeat the noise.



Yes, it sure is nice gear. It's been an uphill battle for a few years trying to feel worthy of it. Someday I hope I get there!

[batema]

Yes Peter. I have the Astrophysics 1100, a SBIG 8300m with self guiding filter wheel and I am waiting for my TEC 140. I paid the deposit in July so am probably looking at Feb/Mar. I can not wait.

[strongmanmike]

Lots to like about this image Peter, especially the colours :thumbsup:

Mike

[PRejto]

Great Mark. You will love the scope! Did you order it with Yuri's focuser or the Feather Touch? Personally I like the FT solution though now that I finally have a very good electronic focuser from Starlight Instruments (also there is a good Optic choice) I have no complaints.



Thanks very much Mike! I had an image that kind of looked "OK" but then I thought, heck I've got tons of blue frames going to waste. So kind of as a lark I doubled the blue subs. Now I think that turned out to be an OK choice. Hardly what you call a G2V ratio: 1:1:2!

[strongmanmike]

G2V..Bah!! :) The blue looks great :thumbsup:

[PRejto]

Hey, Mike. Thanks again for suggesting that I keep my TEC140 and to use both scopes to image at the same time! Now, it's been a heck of a challenge; much easier said than done but I'm getting closer. The hardest part now will be to get even more automated. CCDAutopilot only can deal with one camera for example..... It's like an unending pandora's box!

Peter

[Bassnut]

Thats a clever different composition, and nice colour, but its a bit noisy.

[PRejto]

You bet it's noisy. Just not enough data. Perhaps when the weather stabilizes I'll add to it!

Peter

[batema]

Hi Peter,

I did request the feathertouch focuser that they use to supply with the scope. I will eventually get an electronic focuser and am currently trying to work out the attachment from the tec flattener to SBIG 8300 self guiding filter wheel.

[PRejto]

Is it true that you need to buy the FT focuser and Yuri supplies the correct adapter?

[strongmanmike]

Yeah...part of the reason I still babysit my gear :P (money is the rest)

Good luck with it all though, once you have it chugging away by itself I am sure you will become an imaging machine :thumbsup:

Mike