Hey Manuel, eet's a Sombrero....

[cybereye]

Hello everyone!!

Well after a 5 month hiatus I've finally have something to post in the Deep Space forum, thanks to the fact that the clouds over Brisbane have finally cleared!!

This image is the best 34 three minute subs out of the 42 that I took using a QHY8L hooked to my 8" Newtonian on a HEQ5 Pro mount. Guiding was done using a QHY5 and an ST80 with PHD doing all the controlling. A Baader MPCC sorted out the coma and a Baader UHC-S filter took care of that scourge of the suburban astronomer, light pollution. To add to the mix I had my first ever meridian flip in the middle of my imaging - very exciting!! Stacking was done in DSS with darks, flats and dark flats (or is that flat darks?!) Processing was done in StarTools with final tarting up for presentation done in the GIMP.

I'm very happy with the amount of detail I'm starting to see inside the Sombrero considering it is only 100 minutes worth of exposure. The good thing is that it's still early in the Sombrero season for me to get more data.

The first image is my 2012 edition of M104 but I've also attached last year's effort with my DSLR. I feel it is an interesting comparison as it gives me an indication as how my skills and abilities are progressing in this wonderful hobby.

Cheers,
Mario

[alpal]

Nice job & a big improvement.

I also have an 8" f6 Newt.
I am wondering if I could still reach focus if I used a 2X _ 2" barlow
to increase the image scale?
M104 is so tiny on the full frame at prime focus.

[strongmanmike]

That's a great M104 and your result has deffinitely improved :)

Have a look at what sort of improvement you can expect if you leave it for 26years years (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/125757864/original)

:thumbsup:

[cybereye]

Allan,

Thanks for your comments on my image. As for a 2X Barlow, the doubling of image size would be offset by the doubling in the F ratio - this would mean that you'd need to expose the image longer to achieve a similar signal to noise ratio on the image. This would increase possible tracking errors, both in time and magnitude, due to the increase F ratio and magnification.



Mike, to get such a comment about one of my images from someone like you who consistently has amazing images has put a big smile on my face - see - :D

As for waiting another 25 years - I'll be almost 77 then so I'll have to fast-track my improvement some how!!

Cheers,
Mario

[alpal]

Mario,



Thanks Mario,
I know that but my image scale would be 4 x the area & if
my tracking was good I'd be able to resolve more detail.
A good 2 x barlow is expensive so maybe I'll try to borrow one
just for the Sombrero to try it out.

[astronobob]

Thats a Mighty Fine Hat Mario : ) Some splendid details in the disc I have not seen at this scale before, so, top marks in processing and execution, A Beauty image ! !

[midnight]

Big improvement there Mario. Nicely resolved M104!

Darrin...

[cybereye]

Thanks Darrin and Bob!! :)

[RobF]

Great to see you've got back into action Mario. Onwards and upwards! Nice 104.

Rob

[jenchris]

I hope to see that on the big screen tonight Mario!