Snake Valley AC Images

[Hagar]

Here are a couple of images I managed to squeeze in between the clouds this year at Snake Valley.
1. NGC 1365. A compilation of 8 X 15 minute exposures calibrated with Flats and Bias files. This image was taken on the last night which ended up being the best night by far. A little high cloud proved to be a bother but I was quite happy with the end result.

2. NGC 253. A compiation of 4 X 10 minute exposures calibrated with Flats and Bias files. A few more exposures would have improved the depth of this shot but the sky on the second night was not very ffreindly and I was lucky to get these.

Both images were taken at Prime focus with Vixen VC200L at F9 with QHY8. Guided with a QHY5 through my Takahshi FS102 using PHD Guiding.

Flats were taken using the EL sheet and it worked like a dream. Wonderful purchase.

[iceman]

Wow, fantastic images Doug. 253 is awesome!

They both have a bit of a yellowish/redish cast to them?

[Hagar]

Thanks Mike. I did notice a bit of a colour cast afte I posted them. Don't know the cause. The originals don't seem to have this wash. Here is a couple with the red backed off a touch.

[h0ughy]

do agree but they are nice images. that EL sheet is magic!!

[Omaroo]

Great result Doug! The image of 253 really rocks. I love that fact that you use your FS-102 as your guide scope. LOL!

[multiweb]

Your calibration is certainly working really well. Amazing details in both shots. Hot stuff. :thumbsup:

[niko]

Awesome photos Doug! Well done

Great to catch up with you again too

See ya next time

niko

[leon]

Excellent Doug you certainly were lucky to get in any imaging at all, the weather certainly was not kind to you guys, well done.

Leon

[Hagar]

Thanks for the kind comment fellas. Always nice when the gear works well.
Leon, Sorry I missed your visit. Lack of sleep waiting for the sky to clear caught up with me. Next time.

[gregbradley]

Nice images.

Can you tell me more about the EL sheet for flats as I need to do something more with flats.

Greg.

[jase]

Nice work Doug. Yes, the colour looks like its washed out a little. Perhaps due to being stretched rather hard. Try using the shadow/highlights tool in PS. It will perform both a non-linear stretch and also maintain colour saturation in the process. Don't over do it though - its easy to do. Keep up the good work.

[Hagar]

Thanks for the advice Jase. This is a PS tool I haven't made a lot of use of. I will give it a go a little later when time allows.

Great to get some meaningful advice.

[RayOfLight]

you've bagged quite a catch there, Doug!!

[AlexN]

I use shadows/highlights rather extensively as I've found it does a great job of stretching without changing anything else...

Thats a great pair of images Doug.. the NGC253 is so good for such short total exposure! But 1365.. Its just one of my favorite things to see images of!!

Well done!

[Hagar]

Thanks Alex. Havent had a chance to reprocess using shadows and highlights yet but it will happen.