M42 Crop in Ha

[multiweb]

Here's 8x900s + 10x60s for the core in Ha on M42. Too close to the full moon and a little noisy. My flat fielding is improving but I'm not 100% there yet. I also have little light leaks in my camera around the sensor that I've since sorted out. The full frame is available at http://www.multiweb.com.au/astro/M42_ha_cf.jpg

Thanks for loooking. Comments/tips most welcome.

[jase]

Great work Marc. The 15min subs has brought out some excellent structure.

[allan gould]

Marc, you say you have light leaks around the QHY8 and that you have fixed them. Could you go into a little more detail as I hope to to Ha imaging soon with my QHY8 and would like to attend to this before imaging.
Great photo by the way.
Allan

[multiweb]

Thanks mate.


Thanks Allan. Yep, there is a little seam all around the camera where there is a slight recess in the body. I went around and stuck black electrical tape on it. All my subs were brighter on the same side and that must have happened when I took my flats. I took them by putting an A4 paper in front of the OTA then shine a bright light at the scope. The light hit the side of the QHY8 too (it's a newtonian) when I took the flats and that's how I figured that a bit of light makes it in this way. The moon was very high and bright too so I remember which side of the camera was facing the glow and it matches the subs. Weather pending I'll take more exposures to confirm the problem's gone away with the taped body.

[AlexN]

Nice Marc! lots of detail...

Is the collimation spot on? the diffraction spikes are showing double?

Other than that, looks very good

[multiweb]

Good point. I'll know when weather allows. I've modified my whole optic train and recollimated so hopefully I get less spikes :whistle:

[Octane]

Marc,

Top work.

Regards,
Humayun

[multiweb]

Thanks mate. :)