First try at M83

[benklerk]

I'm working on my next Galaxy image. M83 also called the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy.

Used DSS and Photoshop

Nikon D7100 3min x 8 exp and 5min x 1 exp. ISO1600 Total time is 26 min.
Done Darks, flats and bias.

HEQ5 Pro, GSO 6" RC with Guide scope

What do you think? I know I need more time. But how do you go back to the same object exactly in the same position to continue your images?

[Somnium]

Nice stuff, looks like the tracking is pretty good. More integration time is always good. how did you integrate the 5 min and 3 min exposures?

[benklerk]

Hi Aidan

i just used DSS and it done it automatically

[vlazg]

What are you using for image capture? SGPro has the ability to return to the same position through plate solving, i'm sure other programs have the same ability

[benklerk]

I use backyard Nikon with The SkyX.

[Somnium]

given that DSS averages the pixel value, wouldn't you create more noise by including different sub lengths? surely it would provide additional weight to the longer sub because of its higher pixel value. i could be wrong but if you want to stack different sub lengths to bring out different detail, then you should combine the subs of the same length then combine the two images in PS using masks etc.

[benklerk]

What DSS did. It first done all the 3min subs with darks flasts and bias. Then done the single 5 min subs with darks, flats and bias, and I think it then combined them together.

[Atmos]

Looking really good so far, more data will bring the noise down but it's a really nice start.
As for getting everything centred again, if you are using BYNikon, does it save the images directly to your computer? If so, open the Image Solver up in TheSkyX (Control + i from memory) and it'll solve its location. After it has solved it sync your telescope to the solved image and then tell your mount to go to the galaxy again. That'll get it within a dozen or so pixels of centre.

[scagman]

Hi Colin,

I think thats not right with regards to sync'ing the solved image.

Solve the image, but DON'T sync the mount, then tell the mount to goto the solved image.

If you sync the mount on the solved image the mount will think it is already pointing at the solved image.

I pretty sure thats how I do it from memory. I hope.

Cheers

[benklerk]

Just an update

I was looking around and found AstroTortilla for Plate Solving, which I have installed, and sort of setup. I used it last night and it only worked once. I don't know what happened. I just followed a online Tutorial to set it up.

I also found Elbrus, has anyone used it? Is it easy to setup? Its it better than Astrotortilla?

[Atmos]

In TheSkyX if you tell it to go to an object it will centre it, the idea of syncing to the solved image (where it is currently pointed) is so that the mount then knows how far it is off from where it should be. The solved image I am referring to is where it is currently pointing, not where you want it to point.

[scagman]

Hi Colin, Sorry I misread your post. I thought you meant sync on the image you wanted to point to.

Cheers

[Atmos]

Thought that may have been the case :)