Christmas Tree & Cone Region

[atalas]

Hi again all

This image of the Christmas tree & Cone Region was shot on the 2/10/08 out at Magellan Observatory.

Using a FSQ106ED and a QHY8 guided with a FS60c on a AP600E mount a composite of 10 x 10minutes exposures were taken .

All pre-processing was done in AA4 and post processing in PS CS3 and you can click on this link for a high res image. :)

http://www.atalas.net/components/com_expose/showpic.html?img=expose/img/img_1223027311_729_lg.jpg&caption=Christmas%20Tree%20%26%20Co ne%20Region&date=&location=

Hope you enjoy.

[Dennis]

Hi Louie

That is a beautiful image – so much in there to marvel at. Is that Hubble’s Variable Nebula at top left, the upside down V shaped patch?

Also, what is the concentration of stars at bottom left? Do they have a catalogue designation or are they just a dense clumping of stars?

Cheers

Dennis

[Tilt]

Quite a lot of detail within this image :thumbsup:

Here's a question. Do you still need to take darks/flats with a QHY8?

Michael

[Garyh]

Nice one Louie! Nice FOV of this faint reflection/emission neb area and you have the Hubble one in there as well.
Looking forwards to imaging this again this year!
cheers Gary

[iceman]

Lovely image Louie, beautiful work.

[RB]

A lovely image indeed !
It looks spectacular on my large screen.

Well done Louie.

[peeb61]

Just awesome Louie!
Just love the colours.

Paul

[atalas]

Dennis,I think that is Trumple 5 ! and of cause your right on the Hubble Variable....also seen here below the Christmas Tree Cluster(under the reflection neb)is the beautiful Fox Fur nebular which I'm sure you know...glad you enjoyed this shot mate !

[atalas]

Michael,Gary,Mike,Andrew and Paul...thanks guy's....happy you enjoyed this shot.

[atalas]

Michael,no darks or flats were used with the QHY8(really no need with a Sony chip) but you also need to keep everything clean.:)

[gregbradley]

Interesting image.

It really isn't the chip that determines whether or not you do flats - it is more the scope. But yes more of a problem with a larger chip which is more likely to cause vignetting which flats correct as well as any uneveness in the CCD's sensitivity. And yes a dirtier glass covering will require flats to get rid of the dust donuts. It is better practice as you mention to have everything clean as possible.

An FSQ 106ED does need flats especially with a larger chip camera. You can see some brightness drop off on the right side. Flats would have balanced the brightness out.

Cheers,

Greg.

[Octane]

Louie,

Great work there. Interesting framing, too. I love this region of the sky and look forward to imaging it again with the ED80. The last time I shot it was with that 300mm that you now possess. :)

Regards,
Humayun

[AlexN]

Looks nice Louie, Im jealous.. Havent used my scopes now in over a week... Astro-withdraws!

[Ric]

A lovely capture of this region Louie

Fine work

[jase]

Indeed, nice work on this image Louie. Composition has added an extra dimension that I haven't regularly scene. The FSQ does justice to large wide fields. Personally, I think the colours look subdued or lacking saturation. On closer inspection, its a subtle green/yellow hue that is the cause to this. Perhaps drop the green channel slightly with curves and you'll see what I mean. It will bring out the rich reds and blue tone of the reflection neb. ...and yes, as Greg states, don't think you can get away without taking darks or flats (the latter in particular). The FSQ may have a flat wide field but you'll still experience an ADU drop off in the corners. If you're looking to produce A+ grade images, you'll need to start taking calibration frames to obtain the best from your data. Look forward to seeing more.

[atalas]

Greg,thanks mate I didn't even notice this till you pointed It out ! but It is due to some careless post processing.

[atalas]

H,Alex,Ric,thanks for the feedback guy's!

[atalas]

Alex,the man who invents a pill for Astro- withdrawals will be imortalized ! :lol:

[atalas]

Jase,thanks for your advice dude....much appreciated.