NGC253 - The Sculptor Galaxy

[cybereye]

Hello everyone!

Last night I set out to image M27 and ended up imaging NGC253 after almost two frustrating hours chasing problems and M27 itself!

In the end I realised NGC253 was emerging from behind the tree so I decided to cut my losses and image it.

Attached is 2 and a half hours of data (30 x 5 minute subs) taken with my QHY8L attached to my 8" newt. All the usual in the imaging train - Baader MPCC and UHC-S, with guiding using a QHY5 attached to an ST80 & PHD.

Stacking in DSS, processing in StarTools and final cosmetics in GIMP.

I had some problems with unusual gradients in the image and I've yet to work out what caused them.

I guess it was just one of those nights....

Mario

[RickS]

Nice job, Mario!

[RobF]

You have a lot of dust detail coming through there Mario. You seem to have been quite productive of late. Slight pink/red hue in galaxy perhaps, but from Brissie this is a great shot.

[cybereye]

Thanks Rick & Rob for the nice comments on this image.

Rob, I've tried to reduce the pink/red tint in the centre of the galaxy - see the attached image. As for being productive, as you know we've had a good run of weather here in Brisbane and I wasn't going to waste it!!

Cheers,
Mario