Revised Lobster under Sydney Skies ( additional data )

[Startrek]

Captured additional data over the last 2 nights to see if I could expose more detail in the Lobster
Total capture is now just over 8 hours ( 245 x 2 minute dithered guided subs )
PHD2 Multistar guiding ( guiding was super tight 0.55 to 0.60 total for the EQ6-R mount on both additional nights )
A slight improvement in detail but still a higher than normal level of noise after a stretch
Dithered subs and Calibration frames included

Bortle 7/8
6” f6 Bintel Newt
2600MC cooled to -10C , Gain 100 LRN
Stacked in DSS ( Main group , Group 1 , Group 2 )
Processed in Startools V1.7

2 versions RGB and SHO

Comments welcome

Thanks

[Bassnut]

The 1st image is RGB, the 2nd is SHO which I understand is Hubble blend for NB filters. Were the captures RGB or NB or both?. The cam is a colour oneshot, did you use NB filters with it?.

[Startrek]

Fred,
Used Optolong L Extreme filter
Martin

[PKay]

Much better M.

Keep going :)

[RyanJones]

Considerably better Martin. Good work. What percentage of your total integration are you stacking ?

[Startrek]

Thanks PK 👍

[Startrek]

Thanks Ryan

I’ve always used 95% in DSS

I cull my bad subs using Astap before stacking in DSS

Cheers
Martin

[RyanJones]

Ok cool. So the 8hrs is the actual stack integration ? What do you use to dictate the subs you throw out ? FWHM , star shape ? Or do you just work off a score ?

[Startrek]

Subs are reviewed visually ….
In Astap I adjust the histogram accordingly and view / inspect each sub at 100% zoom in say 2 areas for the following -

Star shape
Star bloat
Passing Cloud
Neighbour’s switching on floods lights etc…
Focus ( I use my Star diffraction spikes as a guide )

Then zoom out to normal full frame view and inspect for satellite trails and aircraft trails etc…

I’ve never relied on scores from software, always my eyes
Takes some time but always works for me

Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Yes the actual integration time is 8hrs

Cheers
Martin

[Shiraz]

Looks a better result to my eyes Martin - the detail looks clearer. You have stretched it fairly hard when compared to some others on the www. Maybe a bit less stretch can help control the noise a bit. Not that it is bad as is, but might be worth a play?

Cheers Ray

[Startrek]

Thanks Ray
There’s plenty of data but the skyglow is horrible plus throw in neighbours lights and a bit of moon glare
I don’t think anymore data would improve the image
A Mono camera with NB filters would be a totally different story
Still happy with the image
Cheers
Martin

[Retrograde]

Very nice Martin!

This is a surprisingly dim object and the extra exposure time has certainly paid off. I like the overall colour of the first rendition but there is better colour separation with the SHO. :thumbsup:

[Startrek]

Thanks Pete 👍

[Dave882]

Great stuff Martin! I think I prefer the rgb version personally…but that’s probably just what I’m used to. Well done!

[Startrek]

Thanks Dave
Appreciate it
My little banged around 6” newt performs so well with the 2600MC. Image scale is around 0.80 arc sec per pixel ( oversampled ) so it allows me to Bin the image to trade off some Resolution for noise reduction whilst allowing Decon to weave its magic
Scope cost me $290 back in 2017 , probably the most underrated and underused scope in AP today.

Cheers
Martin