Eta Carina - first LRGB image with QHY9

[RobF]

Wasn't going to post this until I had time to shoot proper flats for 2x2 RGB bins. I'm still having trouble dimming my light box sufficiently for the QHY9, and haven't had time to address the issue - so pardon the vignetting.

Last Thursday I finally had everything to shoot RGB, albeit still struggling to get enough backfocus and 55mm distance for MPCC - had to take the 12mm window off the camera in the end. Shot 30sec images of ETA through intermittent cloud, but then had a go at 5mins subs before calling it quits after realising it might be another 2 weeks before decent weather (and I didn't miss the mark at all with that call....:lol:)
Clouds prevented me collecting any more than single RGB subs, and getting too late on a "school night" anyway.

LRGB 15:5:5:5 (Lum 1x1, RGB 2x2 binning)
All 5 mins subs, QHY9 + QHY9 filters + MPCC + IDAS through 8" Newt

[Paul Haese]

Great shot for such short subs. Quite smooth too. If you can do longer subs then do that. It's worth the effort.

Keep going and nice effort.:thumbsup:

[RobF]

Thanks Paul :)
I was just starting to get serious about trying to up the ante on my tracking and sub lengths before XMAS, but now I've gone and done with the QHY9 learning curve. I'm starting to push the HEQ5 hard now with all this gear hanging off it - wasn't game to attempt longer, but definitely on the "To Do" list...

In an ideal world would have loved to shoot some Ha to blend in here too. So much to try and so little time......

[Octane]

Rob,

That's looking like a great start. Would love to see what you can do if you get the chance to add more to it.

Well done!

H

[jjjnettie]

Excellent first light Rob. Looking forward to more.

[AlexN]

Great effort Rob! May I ask... When was the sky clear enough for you to get 30 minutes data???? And why was I not informed of this so called "Clear Sky" ?

:) Good to see you finally got the CFW in place and did some imaging.. It looks really good.

[RobF]

Thanks Humayun - hopefully Eta will still be around by the time this blasted wet season goes away...:D



Thanks JJJ! Once New Moon comes around all this cloud is bound to float away...:whistle:



Ummm - you have to realise we're talking serious PHOTON STARVATION MADNESS here Alex. Same day FW arrived, I HAD to get out there. That Thur night there was 2/8 to 7/8 clouds. I picked ETA because South seemed marginally better and I could see it around time of first sub. I might add however I had the BOM radar and a tarp ready the whole night - and did need the tarp during one particularly nasty cloud. Something I would never normally do. (Camera didn't get wet Theo - trust me....!)

[AlexN]

LMAO!

Awesome effort mate.. :) Gutsy as ever!

[jase]

Excellent image for a first LRGB attempt, Rob. Can get tricky at times. Onward and upward from here. Looking forward to seeing more.

[RobF]

Thanks Jase - really appreciate the encouragement from you.

Putting these together reminded me how much there is to learn. You definitely seem to be well rewarded for the effort you put into this pursuit though (I'm obviously preaching to the converted in your case though :lol:)

[Bender]

Well Rob, you've done it again. another great shot.
Martin

[RobF]

Thanks Martin :)

[Tandum]

Missed this one.
Have you got that scope setup like a cockoo clock, it pops out the side of the house when it stops raining :)
Last clear night I have on the books is 21/02. Anyway well done, it's hard to progress with this weather we all have :(

[RobF]

:lol: :lol:

Things are bound to clear up once your SBIG turns up Robin ;)
I'm going to miss havin' a go at M101 for another year if these clouds don't behave soon - fingers crossed for next Sat

[AlexN]

Rob Rob Rob... What you need to do is go for a short drive up the highway to Cape York... You MAY get M101 from there... from here it gets to maybe 5~10 degrees above the horizon.. Aim high Rob!! at the clear skies!

[RobF]

I know its madness, but I've managed to get M51 at similar altitude from Ron's before - his northern horizon is deceptively good. M97 visible there even. I just WANT M101 dammit! Its just the thrill of the hunt.....:rofl:

[Peter Ward]

This is a great Eta. Colour balance spot on. Good highlights and shadow data. Well done :thumbsup:

[RobF]

Thanks Peter - this particular emoticon doesn't have quite a wide enough grin - but closest to how that makes me feel :D