LMC - NGC 2070 Mosaic

[multiweb]

This is one of my long term project. I did a test from Wiruna on the edge of the LMC where the Tarentula is. This is a composite of 4 frames. Approx 5x10min on each then merged into a composite. It seems to work quite well. My goal is to map the whole LMC in a series of similar shots. Then move on to the Orion Area.

The small version: http://www.multiweb.com.au/astro/NGC2070_pano_s.jpg (http://www.multiweb.com.au/astro/NGC2070_pano_s.jpg) [2.17MB]
The big version: http://www.multiweb.com.au/astro/NGC2070_pano.jpg (http://www.multiweb.com.au/astro/NGC2070_pano.jpg) [8.6MB]

The attached version was reduced to fit within the 200KB size restriction. There are a couple of hot pixels still visible on the high-res and full-res version. As for the slight green tinge, I always got it on the LMC. I guess it was still pretty low when I got those subs and there was a slight glow to the south east. I'll have to try when it's much higher in the sky.
Comments/Tips most welcome. Thanks for looking.

[strongmanmike]

Nice result Marc, a worthy project, look forward to seeing the finished product.

Mike

[multiweb]

Thanks Mike. I'll build up as I get more frames.

[seeker372011]

brilliant project and a fine start

i have started a similar exercise on the SMC-have two frames so far but with missing bits so cant join up

[multiweb]

Hi Narayan, I think the best approach is to pick a point of reference easy to sync on. I pick on NGC2070. Center then offset to another frame by 1 degree in RA or DEC or so depending on your FOV. Offset 50-80% of your FOV so you end up with at least a 20% overlap. Try to keep the same exposure times, viewing conditions and number of subs. I will make it easier to process and deal with gradient and difference in illumination.

[seeker372011]

well my first frame was from Albury-much darker and my second from Linden..so I think matching is going to be a drama but we shall see

I was just going to break the whole target into 2 x 1 deg and image with the centre point of each target frame-but mine is a long term plan !
and if all fails I may have to fall back to grey scale

[multiweb]

If you load your pictures separately and work out the same color balance prior to seaming them it should make things easier. What software(s) do you use to process and color balance your files?