NGC 2070 Ha Test *Added random RGB*

[Atmos]

As I am planning on a large mosaic of the SMC and LMC I figured it would be prudent to first test exposure times and depth on the most difficult part of the two, the Tarantula Nebula.

Due to software conflict issues (Maxim dithering scale sometimes gets WAY off for some reason) I had to ditch most of last nights data. Ended up with 8x400s Ha which is close to what I want for each panel (9x400s [3600s]) it gives a bit of an idea on intended finishing depth. Planning on a HaOIIILRGB mosaic of the LMC and SMC (not the space in between).

Quite happy with the dynamic range at Unity gain, too lazy at the moment to bother changing from that! Processing was nothing more than hitting it with a HDR and some curves for a bit more contrast.

Astrobin for pixel peepers (http://www.astrobin.com/full/275256/0/?nc=user)

[glend]

Nice depth in that image Colin. :thumbsup:

[RickS]

Looks good, Colin.

[cometcatcher]

There sure is a lot in that. Everyone is turning out really good stuff with that camera.

[SimmoW]

Thats lovely and deep Colin, great rez with your scope. Yes the cam is so flexible and im still experimenting. Try gain 75 as a comparison for a couple of shots?

I have 900 luminance shots of the horsie at 2 secs from Heathcote- thats gonna be a fun experiment!

[Shiraz]

that looks great Colin.

[Atmos]

Thanks :)



It is the low read noise that makes the difference.



The seeing was quite good early on but degraded as the night went on, as I had already ditched all of the bad subs I couldn't pick and choose too much. I had Maxim doing 3 pixel dithers but sometimes that gets a bit screwy (I think I should start double checking certain setting every time I open MaximDL) but it was doing moon width dithers! Then as other bits of software realise it isn't pointing at target it gets dragged back to position. About 3:30am I turned dithering off and got a couple more subs before the clouds came in :lol:

At the moment I am organising a 24 panel mosaic of the LMC with only 1 hour of Ha per panel so that I can finish it before I die :lol: At Unity I can do 9x400s as opposed to 6x600s at Gain 75 which gives me better rejection and a stronger statistical distribution if I decide to Drizzle under good seeing.

I am glad I am not your computer working through all those subs, looking forward to seeing the result however.



Thanks Ray.

[Camelopardalis]

That's a cracker Colin :thumbsup: lots of faint extension there. What Ha filter are you using?

[Atmos]

Astrodon 36mm unmounted 3nm Ha.
Over the last 12 months I have been debating within myself as to whether the 3nm or 5nm (pulls in the NII emission) is better. With the 3nm it is more "accurate" as it only lets in the Ha but 5nm may be better visually for the NII. 3nm certainly helps with contrast and imaging 18km from Melbourne CBD.

[willik]

Thats a very nice image Colin good detail
Martin

[Camelopardalis]

Well, the results speak for themselves :thumbsup:

[SimmoW]

24 panels? Man that is going to be epic, will watch your progress.

Completed my first ever 4 panel mosaic of orion and horse region (in the processing queue..), so i admire your exponentially more painful project!

[Atmos]

Thanks Martin :)



Hard to say unless I get a 5nm to compare :)



I spent a fair bit of time yesterday working out exact size and position angle, decided upon 30 panels being optimal!

Looking forward to seeing your 4 panel, Orion to horse head being a being a good region.

[strongmanmike]

Missed this one Col, looks excellent, really quite deep, should be an amazing mosaic when completed :thumbsup:

Mike

[JA]

Beautiful - B&W :thumbsup:

Best
JA

[Atmos]

It is still noisy and all buggery but with less than an hour there is only so much that I can expect :P



Thanks JA, I do like B&W for the contrast :)

[Geoff45]

Spectacular image Colin.:thumbsup::thumbsup:
Geoff

[Ryderscope]

Wow, seriously in your face when first opening image. Great basis for a mosaic.

[Atmos]

Thanks Geoff



Still waiting for a bunch of clear skies to get really started :)

[Atmos]

On another note, I wanted to do some random testing. Blended my sharp 1.15"/pixel Ha as a luminance with some incredibly soft 2.6"/pixel DSLR RGB data I've got laying around. As long as you don't look too closely it has turned out OK!

[SimmoW]

Not a bad experiment Colin, but wait for the sharper data!