Centaurus to Carina with thanks

[EddieT]

Slowly getting through processing the gobs of images from Duckadang, this is the first off the line, a two part-mosaic taken on the Friday. The rest will have to wait until the new computer arrives capable of the task.

This resulted from a truly collaborative effort in the spirit that only Astrofest can bring, so let me take this opportunity to thank all involved in turning what could have been a personal astrophotographical tragedy into a very productive week.

Not the least of which were Tony and Anne-Louise for the loan of their three-crutch-special tripod, Houghy for his mount-stabilisation straps (zip-ties), Bob Grimes (Grindy) for his tireless pursuit of the perfect socket to tighten up the EQ1, eventually grinding one down to fit in the camp workshop. And everyone else that came to the party to help me get the system in shape!

While I was typing this, I received the very sad news about Nick Williams, a great guy I met at astrofest many years ago and that I only ever saw there over the years. But I liked Nick a great deal and will miss him nonetheless. I'd like to dedicate this picture to him.

[browndog]

A really nice widefield image of an interesting part of the sky. Well done I like it a lot :thumbsup:

Can you post some information on what you used to take this image and the length of your exposures?

[Dennis]

Hi Eddie

A beautiful image and a very apt, touching dedication to one of astronomy's finest gentlemen.

Our condolences go out to all his family, loved ones, friends and colleagues.

Cheers

Dennis

[jase]

A pleasing image Eddie. Would enjoy seeing a larger version.

[Ric]

Wonderful image Eddie.

A fitting tribute

[skeltz]

yes please a larger image?

[Prickly]

Beautifully composed, lovely sharp contrast and star colours. A very fitting tribute Eddie.

Regards,
David

[EddieT]

To you all for your comments.

Sorry about the size, I kept reducing it until it fit the 150kb limit :)

Here are some links to larger versions
(1800x 1200) http://astroshed.com/qldaf07/eta-cent.jpg
(1200x 800) http://astroshed.com/qldaf07/eta-centm.jpg
(800x 600) http://astroshed.com/qldaf07/eta-cents.jpg

When I get the page up I'll add a dedication for Nick.

I'll respond individually after a cup of tea :)

[middy]

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie. I just had a look at the largest version and I have to say that is simply stunning! :eyepop:

We need equipment and exposure details please.

[EddieT]

Thanks Andrew,

Equipment was a 35mm Zeiss f2 lens, QHY8 6MP colour CCD imager with an Orion Min-EQ mount on Tony & Anne-Louises's tri-crutch 2000 patented tripod.

Exposures for this one was 15-minutes. Due to the mount or bad polar alignment, I was limited to 60 second exposures. I was impressed with the low noise levels of the camera. This allowed some pretty dim stuff to be brought out of the short exposures...

[EddieT]

Glad you like it Ian. Thanks! I've posted some info upthread but feel free to ask anything else.

[EddieT]

Hi Dennis. It was great to catch up with you again this year. I forgot to mention your contribution to this image by allowing me to use the patented Simmons 2000 altitude finder ! Thanks again for that...:)

[seeker372011]

Nice to see your wonderful images here again

though I do have your site bookmarked :)

[ballaratdragons]

Eddie, marvellous work! :)

I love the dark matter in the Coal Sack in the 1800x1200 :thumbsup:

[iceman]

Lovely image Eddie, thanks for posting. Great to see your work as always.

[glenc]

Thanks Eddie. Magnificent! :eyepop: Please post more images.

[Dr Nick]

Wow! Great shot! ;)

[davidpretorius]

ok, i may be going out on a limb, but i reckon astro peoples are amongst the most generous. Nothing is too much effort, some of them continue to give!

lovely image

[Bassnut]

Absolutely pin sharp Eddie, so many stars.

If you post a 6mp image as a thumbnail again, Ill poke you in the eye with a stick ;-).

Cheers

[acropolite]

Beautiful image Eddie, thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

wonderful Image - I am gobsmacked - and what a tribute!!!

here is Eddie's mount exposed in all its glory - OK its missing the NASA approved image stabilizers (AKA the plastic cable ties) but I think you will get the drift!!

[EddieT]

Many thanks to you all for your kind words.

Glen .... I will post more as I get them processed. Very slowly processed...

Fred .... I guess links to large versions will save my eyesight then? :)

Houghy ...Great pictures of "the box", thanks heaps for that!

[Starkler]

Superlative! :clap:
Absolutely the best I have seen of this region. Thanks for sharing.
I just noticed you also got the dark doodad in Musca, well done.