Dodgy M20

[barx1963]

Well I have sorta taken the plunge into doing some imaging. This is the first effort where you actually see something. Anyhoo details are:
Mount: Orion Sirius EQ G
Telescope: GSO 6" RC
Camera: Canon EOS 760D
Captured using Back Yard EOS
Unguided
Details of shot: Single frame 90s and ISO 1600
Issues with it: scope is uncollimated, waiting on a collimation ring so I can get that right. Unguided, the stars are elongated but I think that is largely due to collimation as the amount of elongation is not significantly different between a 10s shot and a 90s one at the moment. Noisy and has some really obvious hot pixels. I am still to work out the joys of DSS so I can start using the dark frames I have taken. It has some vignetting. Star colours are REALLY dodgy.
I am sure there is lots more wrong with this image beyond the above, but I have taken an image with an actual identifiable target, so that's something!! :)

Cheers

Malcolm

[gavcol]

G'day Malcolm

Well I couldn't believe it when I read your post about imaging in the general chat area, and then saw this post.

I know you have been around on this forum for such a long time and never realised you were purely a visual astronomer.

I have to say, you are in trouble now! You will get hooked like the rest of us!

I still consider myself very much a beginner, with average/basic equipment. If you thought astronomy was expensive before, get ready for a whole new experience! :lol:

Although I have to add you seem to have the right attitude behind it, with regards to just being able to be happy with what you have and what you achieve.

Best of luck with the future imaging, I am sure you will do well.

Welcome to the darkside! :fight:

Regards

Gav

[barx1963]

Thanks Gavin
I am anticipating I am going to get some interesting comments at the next Snake Valley camp, especially if I try and setup a laptop in "Dob Corner"!!

Malcolm

[gavcol]

Yes Malcolm I could see that as a potential problem!

Whilst I would normally recommend the tact of :newbie:, which isn't obviously going to work for you. So I am expecting the outcome may be a little like this :bashcomp:

Nice knowing ya :lol:.

Gav

[speach]

Are you ready to stand out at night in the cold, some times very cold, staring at a computer screen wondering why this programme will not talk to that programme, and at the same time ripping up $50 bills and throwing them in the air? If you are WELCOME to the club.

[speach]

By the way well done with your 1st pic.

[barx1963]

Can't be that much worse than standing out at night in the cold, some times very cold, staring in an eyepiece, wondering why the galaxy that the book says is only mag 11 cannot be seen in a 20", and at the same time ripping up $50 bills and throwing them in the air!

Malcolm

[rustigsmed]

great start Malcolm!

here is a useful / simple tutorial on how to bring out more detail from your images. http://myastroimages.com/Astro_Imaging_Tutorials/Learning_To_Use_PhotoShop_Curves/index.php
interested to hear how you find it.

cheers

Rusty

[raymo]

After years of helping other people, it is now time for the boot to go
on the other foot. Happy imaging Malcolm.
raymo