NGC 2442: The Meat Hook taken 27-01-11

[[1ponders]]

NGC2442 taken with an SXVF-H9 and a Meade 8" SCT (LX200) on AP900GTO. Autogided with PhD; WO72/DMK21 @ f/5.

18x8min subs (2 hr 24min), flats and darks. Medium stacking in DSS, Levels, Curves and sharpening; PS. UV/IR filter only on camera.


The seeing was pretty appalling at times on the night and around 80% RH and upwards (yep it got wet). I haven't been able to control the ragged edges of the lower stars and the brighter stars saturated in the 8min. I think shorter but many more exposures, plus better conditions.

This is only my second image with a substantial time frame with this setup and I am extremely happy with its performance considering the night. I'm don't know the faintest mag stars or galaxies in the image (there are a number) but PGC100030 in the lower left is Mag 16.8

There is likely much more I can do with this image. Its great to finally have something new to work on.

[strongmanmike]

Nice meaty looking galaxy there Paulie :P

You're havin fun now huh..? Oh ya :thumbsup:

You clearly have a system capable of taking some corkers...just gotta add the colours now :)

MIke

[allan gould]

Very nice Paul - going to leave us all in your dust now?
Enjoy your new equipment
Allan

[[1ponders]]

Oh I'm very happy atm Mike. Especially seeing I've had couple of nights clear weather to give it a bit of a shake down. Bring it on! Cold clear fine weather.

RGB might have to wait awhile, though I am keen to run some shots off through the same setup at f/5 or 6 using a modded 20D. Then use this shot with a few more hours data, or a new shot as a Lum.

To put it in to perspective for everyone. Many of us have short refractors, this is the same shot taken through a WO 72 with the same camera.

[[1ponders]]

lol thanks Allan. I don't know about dust though, we'd need enough clear skies to dry out enough to create some dust in the first place. I am making the most of it though. :)

[h0ughy]

well done Paul - glad everything is working for you (wished things were working for me but at least i did get some data last night)

[allan gould]

Got to love that 70mm WO scope and a great shot with it. It gives a great field of view and is such a versatile instrument. I really like mine.

[[1ponders]]

I know what you mean Allan. I had to force myself to start imaging through something else. Its a sweet little scope, especially with the WO PIII Flat/Reducer and a DSLR. But it has a good sweet spot for the chip size of the SX as well. Oh to have same in an 8" refractor. :D

Yeah, in my dreams :lol:

[Hagar]

Nice spiral Paul. You are certainly giving the new mount a work out.

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Doug. I know I'm being selfish here :whistle: but I really want some clear skies for a few consecutive days. Oh to be able to work on a quick project for a few days would be nice. Do some RGB with the modded 20D.

[jjjnettie]

Ugh, what a horrible name for such a beautiful galaxy.
Great work there Paul.