NGC253 1st Attempt

[TrevorW]

This is best of 8 frames ISO800 Pentax K100d total exposure 3 minutes taken last night stacked is DSS cropped adjusted then resized and adjusted for levels etc in PS.

Still learning but obviously not enough data captured.

Taken through the Skywatcher 120 f/5 unguided on EQ6 mount

Any suggestions welcome

:hi:

[Hagar]

The image certainly shows some promise. If you are working unguided you will need an awful lot of relatively short (20sec ) images to raise the signal to a point where it is above the background noise. You would do better to image some of the brighter targets with the shorter images. Targets such as Omega Centauri, 47 tucanae, Lagoon nebula, Trifid nebula, Swan nebula etc will give you much better results on shorter exposures. You will still need a lot of them though.

Good luck and keep at it.

[leon]

Trevor I have to agree with Doug, although you have made a fine effort on this object, get all your practice on the easy targets.

The processing of the targets are usually the most challenging, and can be a long learning cure, however having said that you are well on you way, keep at, and keep posting, well done.

leon

[peeb61]

Fine effort Trevor,
Mate, the good thing is we are learning all of the time and you have shown promise in your work that is evident, the main thing is Trevor, you are out there enjoying what you are doing...don't lose sight of that, keep at it.

I am no expert, I am still fumbling around in the dark so to speak and still have a lot to learn, this is a good place for encouragement. That is the reason I am here.

So keep taking those images and take note of Doug's post..tweak your style and enjoy.

Paul

[Garyh]

Hi Trevor,
Good advice from Doug and I agree.
Try using the highest iso setting you can with short unguided exposures and do many of them like 50 x 30 sec at iso 1600. this should help lift fainter detail above the noise level and give a much more detailed image!
Also don`t be afraid of adjusting the settings in DSS to get a better result..
cheers Gary