NGC253 5hr data

[allan gould]

I was finally able to combine my DSI II data (2hr) with my QHY8 data (3hr) using Registar. The DSI data was taken with a 127mm ED Apo scope (love this combination) and the QHY8 data taken with an 8" SCT. I have learnt a lot about Registar, differnet stacking routines as well as flats, darks, bias and how to process these images into one that Im happy with.
Still have to take the 10" SCT data for the final shot but that will have to wait until the moon disappears.
Comments welcomed.

[CoolhandJo]

The detail in the dust lanes is nice! Looks a tad clipped? Was there skyglow?

[AlexN]

Very nice Allan! Very nice indeed... showing the spiral structure well mate!! Cant wait to see it with data from the 10" as well..

[multiweb]

Nice work on a 8" Allan. :thumbsup: Got to love Registar with its mix n' match capabilities hey? No data goes to waste :)

[telecasterguru]

Allan,
Looking good and as Marc said, Registar is awesome.

Frank

[allan gould]

Paul, Alex, Marc and Frank
Thanks for the comments. Yes Registar is great for making a new image sized and oriented to your main image, but you just cant beat Photoshop for its different applications for image data. Im slowly learning little tricks but you seem to spend hours going over the data and either you have made such subtle changes that only you can see it or it looks hideous after you have finished and have to start all over.
Then the same image will look completely different on two PCs or monitors.
Paul, you are right - there was a hideous gradient as all these photos have been done from my light polluted backyard only 4Km from BrisVegas. That coupled with the local Tower of Laser Light Pollution flashing every 2 seconds overhead, visible for kilometers - makes for an interesting time. At the moment Im seeing how my systems perform optically, then I intend to go to a really dark site and collect all the data and then stitch together the photo I want to capture. Knowing my luck by the time Ive finished with the 'obsession' of this galaxy, Peter Marples will discover a supernova the next bloody night.

[h0ughy]

LOL your probably right about peter.....;)

i am interested in how you processed the image in registar. i have had it a while but not used it for this?

[allan gould]

I must admit I dont find Registar "intuitive". I mainly use it to align, rotate and pad out the photograps so that I can bring them into Photoshop as different Levels and manipulate them there. I have done it all in PS but its a bugger. The combine fnction is OK but I find that PS is better once you have the scaled and rotated images.