M16 in narrowband

[telemarker]

What's one to do with the moon shining so bright? Give the narrowband filters a workout of course. The latest image acquired is M16:
Scope: GSO RC8
Mount: EQ6 with EQmod
Camera: ST-8300 with Baader SII, OIII and Ha filters
Guiding: SX-AO at 4Hz
Acquisition: 13x15min Ha 1x1 binned (as luminance layer)
13x5min SII, OIII and Ha 2x2binned
Calibrated, stacked and combined in DSS and Nebulosity

Also, a 50% crop of the pillars.
C&C appreciated. :scared2:

Regards
Keith

[Mighty_oz]

Lovely detail there, amazing what u can do with todays equipment hey :)

[multiweb]

:eyepop: Some real good work there Keith. Top stuff. :thumbsup:

[richardo]

Top work Keith!
Love the colours.. narrow band is the answer I reckon if you want nice small stars, different areas brought out to the norm broad spectrum images and the big bonus, can be used in full moonlight and light polution...
Way to go!
Looks as if the SX AO is working well as this FL.

Rich

[DavidU]

Great detail & depth.Nice work.

[strongmanmike]

Yeh great result Keith, some good detail vsisible in the pillars too. I like the copper and bronze colour tones - different :thumbsup:

Mike

[telemarker]

Thanks Mike, the Ha provides all the detail and yeah I was happy with what could be seen not only in the pillars themselves but also the surrounding Bok globules and gas clouds. Colours? well now, them's a fightin' word ;)



Thanks David, this is a nice bright Ha region for a change which makes it a whole lot easier to bring out the data with my limited processing skills.



Thanks Rich, Yeah, I have to agree with you, the narrowband filter offer distinct advantages but its not for all objects. I'm finding it really convenient from my location but the flip side is longer exposures... ah tradeoffs :lol:
As for the AO, should have used it earlier :D I find it makes guiding a lot easier. I have run some subs out to 1 hour with not too much problem, provided the PA is good. As always, appreciate your input.



Ta Marc, a couple of late nights for this one but I've been waiting since last year for another crack at it with some better gear. Glad you liked it.



Thanks Marcus, I agree with you totally on that point. Some of Mike's (he of the strongman clan) comparisons of amateur equipment (although expensive) to the big boys are mind boggling. Importantly, more of it is becoming within reach of us common folk. :D


Thankyou all for your input, its really appreciated. :thumbsup:

Regards
Keith

[Logieberra]

VERY nice Keith. I'm saving for the same CCD (or a QHY9). Can I lock you in for lessons in 6months!! hahaha

[CoolhandJo]

Wow. Nice!

[TrevorW]

I like the colours also, well done

[Hagar]

Really nice job on this one Kieth. The second image is so smooooooth.

Well done.

[MarkA]

Excellent result, congratulation Keith.:hi:

Regards
Mark

[telemarker]

Thanks Logan, you'll enjoy the extra resolution from that camera, whomever the maker. Just be prepared for extra work! Lessons? Get that cheque book out...... :lol::P

Regards
Keith

[telemarker]

Thanks Trevor, the Hubble pallet can produce some nice hues after a bit of PS manipulation. Glad you liked it.



Thanks Paul.



Thanks Mark, appreciate the comment Hope the new mount running smoothly.



Ta Doug, makes it a bit easier when it's a bright object, not those dark clouds :lol: I've a series of subs from a dark region that's giving me hell ATM :bashcomp::confuse3:


Regards
Keith

[gregbradley]

Super shot. I personally would like it to show a bit more of the blue just to balance out the colours in the image but that's just my taste.

How do you like the SX AO unit?

Greg.

[telemarker]

Ta Greg, I know what you mean, after Fred's brilliant starless effort last year, the blue hues really work in this region. The AO is good, a bit exxy with the Lodestar but once you've invested in the gear....... Use it or loose it. :D It performs well but doesn't make up for not having a Paramount :P I find it easier to use than a guidescope and no flexure issues. Appreciate the comments Greg. :thumbsup:

Regards
Keith

[FlashDrive]

Well done .. great shots .... you guys amaze me , with what you can do with a camera .... and a bit of Software ..:P :eyepop: :thumbsup:

[iceman]

Beautiful image, Keith. I really like the colours in this one.

It's now IOTW (http://www.iceinspace.com.au).

[telemarker]

Thanks Colin, the technology available to amateurs these days plays a major part but don't forget there is a community of committed hobbyists willing to pass on advice and push the envelope. Viva la IIS :cheers:



Well this is a surprise!! Thanks for the honor Mike, you've just made my day! :D Glad you feel it's worthy of joining the ranks of the other wonderful IOTW's. Much appreciated.

Regards
Keith

[Logieberra]

Well done Keith! Way to represent ol' ACT!

[Gem]

Wow! Nice one! Makes me want a narrow band filter!

Did you take it in Canberra, or did you go to a dark site?

[telemarker]

Ta Grant and hi, was taken from home - be easier if the backyard was a dark site :lol: As for filters you need at lest 3 for NB but the Ha is the most useful.



Thanks Logan. It'll be a new moon soon any plans (besides Baz's)?

Regards
Keith

[gregbradley]

The AO is good, a bit exxy with the Lodestar but once you've invested in the gear....... Use it or loose it. :D It performs well but doesn't make up for not having a Paramount :P I find it easier to use than a guidescope and no flexure issues. Appreciate the comments Greg. :thumbsup:

Regards
Keith[/QUOTE]

I know what you mean. I kind of like the Lodestar. I need to contact SX about the horizontal line mine gives.

Yeah, guidescopes are history I reckon. I'm ditching mine and going off aixs guider on everything except maybe the FSQ. I got near perfect guiding on my NJP on the weekend (super low guide errors) but occassionally still got some eggs that must be due to flexure.

Greg.

[Ric]

Congrats on your "Image of the Week" Keith.

An excellent and worthy choice the colours and the details are wonderful.

Cheers

[telemarker]

Thank you Ric, glad you liked it.

Regards
Keith

[Fabiomax]

Excellent! beautiful colors and processing. optics has really worked well. I'm thinking of buying the model of ccd you have, and I think it is a good investment coupling it to the GSO.
Cheers,
Fabiomax

[David Fitz-Henr]

Excellent image Keith!! Amazing detail - well done! :thumbsup:

[telemarker]

Thanks David, glad you liked it.



Thanks Fabiomax, I think it works well with the RC but it also does a fantastic job with shorter focal length scope such as the ED80. I think you'll like it.

Thanks fo the comments guys.

Regards
Keith