my start on NGC253 (repro)

[leinad]

This is the first real test 2hrs on NGC253 ;5min stacks @ ISO800 with the Vixen VC200L.
I think this really needs stacks of 10mins to get more detail instead of 5mins, and definitely more hrs of exposure time.

Processing is still a fine art to master with average data.
Comments welcome. Thx

http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt197/Leinads_pics/sculptor_2_hr_proc.jpg

[Paul Haese]

This is a tough target I found. I captured 7.5 hours and it still looks dim to me. I would expect that I would need to capture 15 hours to double the brightness of this galaxy.

I would suggest that you might like to have a go at Ken Crawfords tutorial on sharpening. The data looks a little black clipped in this image. Stars are nice and uniform (shame I cannot boast the same) too.

[rogerg]

I like the contrast of colour - blue to yellows. I find it hard to get that kind of varying colour on objects.

I think the image has a little too much contrast - the backgroudn too black, resulting in you losing some detail in the galaxy. I'd be interested in seeing a version which is a little "softer" on the processing with respect to levels/curves.

Nice result anyhow :)

[leinad]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Eek, it does look clipped too hard on the work monitor. Processing on a laptop screen doesn't do any justice..

I'll have to process it on the Dell 27" LCD tonight which will be much better.

[TrevorW]

Dan my Sculptor was 2hrs data using 5minute 30sec subs longer subs would improve the SNR so keep at it

Cheers

[seanliddelow]

Was this taken at the astrocamp?

[leinad]

Hi Sean yes, 1hrs worth was, an hr from a few weeks earlier was used as well.

[g__day]

Sculptor I find is a hard target (in light drenched Sydney). I have to take 10 second shots for my guide camera to get enough signal to grab a star to guide off. With that said your stars have a slight bump - signalling if guiding could be improved you'd be very pleased!

Very good result for your first attempt!

[Octane]

Daniel,

Great start, mate.

I was able to get a fairly bright NGC 253 with just 2 hours of data. I'd like to add more to it when I can, but, I'm not sure how much difference it's going to make.

The data is there in your image, you just need to coax it out.

Regards,
Humayun

[leinad]

A quick repro. Need more data !!! :D
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt197/Leinads_pics/sculptor_2.jpg

[gregbradley]

Sweet!

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

yeh looking good Dan and the repro is a bit better, softer stars and slightly less hash looking.

Mike

[LGT150]

Belle galaxie bien traitée.
Amicalement Lucien.

Lunette Astro-Tech AT111EDT 111/777 C8 HEQ5PRO 350D Starshotautoguider LUNETTE ORION 80/9OO

[leinad]

Thanks Mike. :prey2:
It's interesting to see how much more data you need, when your processing can only be pushed so far with acceptable results.



Merci de vos commentaires aimables

[leinad]

Final repro for now. :)
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt197/Leinads_pics/sculptor_stack.jpg