A deceptively hard object

[Dilsh]

I have struggled and struggled to get a decent image of Helix.

Three nights over three seperate months I tried to get a usuable stack but failed miserably. The stacks were way too noisy and the detail grainy. I thought that maybe it was impossible from my Bortle 7 backyard.

After watching a video on WBPP multinight stacking technique, I thought I would try it on this object. It was a perfect choice as the rotation over multiple sessions did not matter due to the object being central. I figured I could cropped out the rotational artifacts post-processing.

So more out of getting a better handle on Pixinsight and WBPP, I stacked all three night together with their relevant darks and flats as they had different exposure times and gains.

The result is not too bad. Still alot to learn but overall happy with the result.

[oska]

Indeed, it's an, at least, 20hr target. Your result is great so far, it seems "more data" is the first port of call, isn't it always :lol: I think that it's a great learning target, technically challenging while not being impossible and you get a stunning image in the process. Aim high and all that ;)

:thumbsup:

[Dilsh]

Thanks John. Agree. Definitely need more time. This is 7 hours in total. I will try to add to it next year.

It is a stunning object.

Kind regards,

Dilshan

[Dave882]

Nice work and yes there’s been so few clear nights this year I think most of us are going to be carrying projected into 2023. But the win here is working out a process to combine multiple sessions which will be an asset for many years to come I’m sure! Well done

[Addos]

Not a bad effort at all Dilshan, it is indeed a fantastic target and one of the only larger planetary nebula we can see south of the equator!


The outer parts of Ha are really dim so yes you will need pretty big integration time to bring them out. Don't set your expectations too high though with the cometary knots at 80mm aperture, they are quite tiny!

[Dilsh]

Thanks.

I need to get the 9.25 edge HD already.

The money hole is deep :)

[Dilsh]

Thank you.

I am definitely looking forward to putting my new multi-night skills to use.

Kind regards,

Dilshan

[Addos]

I hear that, plus a good quality 2x barlow, the 0.7 reducer, hyperstar, some fast optic filters, and there's not much you couldnt throw at that rig :)

If I get to 55 and both my kidneys are still working I might sell one to fund such a purchase :D

[Dilsh]

My feelings exactly :).

[Startrek]

An excellent result from LP skies with a small refractor
A works in progress for next year
Yes a very difficult unique object which requires loads of good data
Well done indeed !!

Martin

[Dilsh]

Thanks for the confidence Martin. Once personal life settles down a bit might try to make it out to a dark site and compare.

Kind regards

Dilshan

[pkinchington]

Hi Dilsh,
What filters did you use?
Cheers Kanga

[Dilsh]

Hey Peter,

These are Alinta 36mm SHO 3nm pros. These are the first and only NB filters bit they are awesome.

Dilshan