M42 from Leyburn

[troypiggo]

Here's where I spent most of my time imaging at the awesome (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=41675) Leyburn.
I think I got lots of good data, but my astro post processing skills need a little practice. This is my first go, might try a more detailed processing over the next week or so.

Bit disappointed in the composition. Didn't realise how close the "Running Man" was to edge of frame, wanted it all more centred.

10x8min + 5x30sec + 10x15sec + 5x5sec = around 1.4hrs data, ISO 800, 30D unmodified, guided.

http://piggo.com/~troy/photos/2009/2009_02_28/m42.jpg

[peter_4059]

Troy,

It's certainly got potential. Lots of fine detail in there. The processing is a steeper learning curve than the imaging in my opinion.

How did the new gear perform? Hope the new guiding setup was more awesome than the old one.

Pete.

[troypiggo]

Thanks mate. New gear went great guns - the ST80 and DSI II. Guiding worked a treat. I was even able to guide on Lulin (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=417472#post417472) getting the stars going past it.

[bloodhound31]

Troy. How do you do it!? It took me years to learn what I know by myself. You have picked it up and surpassed even my best efforts in one imaging session.

Where did you get your head start? Did you have lots of experienced people to help you on site or are you just incredibly talented? WOW!

Beautiful colour, detail and spot on guiding!

Baz...(sulking and feeling very inadequate now)

[renormalised]

That is a top effort there....the detail is exquisite. Actually I think the framing is good too. Your main target is the main neb'. I think where "Mr Track God" is, is just fine. The core of M42 is great... alot of images of the neb in this region are overcooked, but yours is resolved right to the traps.

[astro_south]

Its a corker Troy.

[troypiggo]

Thanks very much guys.

Barry - while I'm new to astrophotography, I'm not new to photography and post-processing. So I did have a bit of a head start. And although I haven't had that many imaging sessions, I do read a lot (too much according to wife) about the experiences of others, how many exposures and what lengths, how they process etc. We're all surrounded by and can get help from more experienced people right here at IIS.

I knew from my first attempt at M42 that there was more nebulosity in the outer reaches, and I blew the core out and there was supposed to be the trap in there, so this time took more longer and also shorter exposures and blended them together.

[RobF]

Definitely an amazing and AGgghHHSoommmeee effort Troy! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[astroron]

A great effort Troy:thumbsup:nice colours and round stars.:)
I am pleased for you:)

[bluescope]

Good effort ... if you like you can always crop an image to make it look better composition wise.

:thumbsup:

For example ...............

[troypiggo]

Thanks guys. :)

[multiweb]

Very sharp. Great focus and tracking, lovely colors. Top work. :thumbsup: