Foraxx HOO NGC356 and its SMC Friends

[Doogs38]

My first time imaging any part of the SMC. I centered the image on NG346 (recently imaged (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2023/nasa-s-webb-uncovers-star-formation-in-cluster-s-dusty-ribbons) by the JWT - very cool) which is a large star forming region within the SMC.

This is ~11hrs of OSC data taken over two nights using my 82ED refractor, ASI533MC and an Antlia Ha-Oiii dual NB filter. The image was processed in PI using a Foraxx HOO palette. The final full size image is a little noisy as I used drizzle integration to address some under sampled stars. Apart from that, I'm happy with this image!

Hi-res is here (https://pbase.com/doogs38/image/173936242/original). Thanks for looking. Alex

Edit: I started counting the star clusters in the hi-res image and realised there are quite a few. A quick search online highlights the SMC has 220 (https://www.asnsw.com/csmc) star clusters.

[Dave882]

Holy cow that’s incredible. Such an incredibly interesting piece of sky and you’ve presented it beautifully. The colour and depth is fantastic. Stars, detail… nailed it

[Bodon]

Alex great shot! Very nice.

[oska]

Fantastic Alex, again. Totally mesmerising. It really is an under appreciated target and great colour mate. How did you go counting the stars, I'll bet you ran out of fingers?

[Doogs38]

Thanks Dave, Steve and John. There’s soooooo much interesting detail in this ‘close’ neighbour of ours. I’m thinking that a complete SMC will be my first attempt at a mosaic. Alex

[Ramius]

I had not thought to look into this section of the forum before (flat out chasing gear and reading "how to" guides) - I will be definately be lurking here in future.



Well done - really interesting target. Off to check Telescopius.

[Doogs38]

Thanks Bill. Pity I’m not in Canberra anymore as I’d have happily caught up and chatted about ‘gear’ and basic ‘how to’ stuff. Canberra has nice B4 suburban skies - enjoy! Alex

[BlackNebula]

Fantastic image!, I didn’t even think of the SMC region, thanks! I’ve just been on Telescopius, changed my mind this is next on my list!

[Doogs38]

Thanks Mark. I agree, both Magellanic Clouds are full of interesting things to image and are always above the horizon for us lucky imagers in the southern hemisphere. Alex