M42 - Orion Nebula - Beginner Imaging

[JimmyAstro]

Hi IIS Fam,

During a stint of cloud affected (eastern horizon) comet hunting this morning, we managed to bag our second DSO image ever.

We know, it's another that is done to death! But when you are only using a 50mm OTA and a beginner you have got to chose your targets wisely and get them while you can.

This is only about 7 mins of data in total, but with an ALT AZ mount this can be a PITA. Captured in the Adelaide southern suburb skies.

Location: Adelaide Southern Suburbs
Sky: Bortle 5
Seeing: Average with partial cloud
OTA: 50mm f/4.8
Mount: ALT AZ
Camera: Player One MC IMX462
Filter: ZWO Duo Filter
Stacked .FIT Files: 43
Software: Siril Only

Needs more data/work and still lots of learning with online tutorials and videos. But, we are chuffed enough as beginners!

Regards

James & Helen

[JimmyAstro]

Image is not attaching everyone, will keep working on posting the image soon!

[Rusty2]

Congratulations on your first images !

Now comes the fun part , processing : )
You'll figure it out but you must do your homework . Watch all the tutorials .

[JimmyAstro]

Thanks Rusty2,

Not sure we see the processing as the fun part!

Surely you jest with sarcasm! :lol:

It' going to be a slow process, its just good to get runs on the board!

Thanks

James & Helen

[astronobob]

Well, thats great to have another early image under the belt, quite exciting im sure with that, definitely looks like an Orion to me,
Congrats

[JimmyAstro]

Thanks Astronobob,

Yes, quite exciting times.

Except this damn processing business!

Regards

James & Helen

[Rusty2]

No , not at all , processing is the part where you see your image come alive



Patience , you'll get there eventually . It will take time to know and understand what your doing and why your doing it . Know your tools .

[JimmyAstro]

Hi IIS Fam,

Well we have been watching YouTube the last couple of days and reading tutorials, and whilst it all seems like 'double dutch' we have had another attempt at processing a couple of the images (m42 & NGC 7293).

Still the original data, no new stuff, just some messing around in processing.

What do you think?

Thanks

James & Helen

[astronobob]

Well that's impressive work James/Helen, Gone ahead in spades,, wont need my critique, i only know basic as said, and only hoping to give friendly nudge but you have done extremely well here :thumb sup::thumbsup:

[JimmyAstro]

:thanx: Thanks Bob,

You are too kind, something just clicked today.

Wasn't even really the tutorial's, just a lot of playing around, clicking buttons, and then pressing undo.

Still plenty to learn, but I feel we maybe on the start of our long journey at last!

Clear skies

James & Helen

[Leo.G]

I think that's an amazing image and something you should be proud of!






That's the best part. My imaging processing sucks, old, half blind and stupid to boot. Throw in colour blindness (common in males) and I suck. My son however has amazing sight and skills. He knows nothing of any of the programs I use despite his programming ability (he was writing his own code to process my images at one time, I must remind him to get back to it) but he gets in and plays with more understanding than he'll ever admit to and obtains great results for me. Plus I play with buttons and forget what I've just done and he's so quick.
I don't just play stupid to get help because he'd help anyway, I must just actually be stupid.

[JimmyAstro]

Hi Leo

We are sure that's not the case! We are probably guilty of that too then, but I wouldn't change things!

Also, thanks for the comments, praise, and encouragement. It is much appreciated. :thumbsup:

Helen & James