M42 "lucky" (?) imaging

[rmuhlack]

First deep sky astro photo in a LONG time (6+ years), and for something different i'm experimenting with "lucky" imaging, so what better target to "get the feet wet" than M42.

First I collected a set of 2000 light frames (1.5 sec exposure time), followed by 500 frames each with red, then green and finally blue filters. Then in processing, the best 25% of each set were stacked together (with some further processing) to produce the final colour image we have here.

Tech details:
Telescope: Skywatcher 200mm f5 newtonian
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 (no guiding)
Camera: Point Grey (FLIR) Chameleon 3 with Sony IMX264 monochrome sensor (uncooled)
Filters: Astronomik LRGB (the old halo inducing Type 2)
Software: Firecapture, Autostakkert, Pixinsight

hi res here: https://www.astrobin.com/full/emk8e8/0/

This is obviously a very bright target so in spite of the short sub exposure time was nonetheless able to obtain some good detail with negligible noise, all things considered.

I'm still trying to remember how to use all my gear and software so its baby steps at the moment, but im pretty happy with this as a first start.

[glend]

Hmm, nice image but not sure I would call it "lucky imaging" as there is just too much work involved. Lines blur when people talk about EAA and lucky imaging.

[strongmanmike]

A nice result there Richard, you are right, the best way to try and show the full range of brightness across this object, is to use lots of varying exposure stacks, your combine is seamless, lovely colours too :thumbsup:

Mike

[rmuhlack]

Thanks :) in this case however, i haven't used subs of different lengths. Rather, the stacked image consists entirely of 1.5sec subs only (hence my surprise at the detail and lack of noise in the "darker" parts of the image).

[strongmanmike]

Ah OK, my mistake, yes I see, lots of 1.5sec exposures :thumbsup: I guess that would have a similar effect?

Mike