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cybereye
16-10-2012, 10:00 PM
Hello everyone!

Inspired by the recent images of the Helix Nebula on this forum, I wondered if it would be possible to image the outer shells of this PN from my backyard, 12kms from the centre of Brisbane, with my 8" newt. Now the longest sub I'd previously managed in an imaging run was 5 minutes but I knew that this probably wasn't going to cut it so I decided to give 15 minute subs a shot.

Well my guiding was spot on - pause for self pat on the back - and I managed 8 subs last night which will form part of a larger collection of subs which I intend to take over the next week, and if needed, even longer. I've done a quick stack and process to see how this two hours worth of data eventuated and I think it definitely has potential.

The colour may be a bit off but I have managed to get one of the outer shells - very happy I am to see it!!

Cheers,
Mario
Larryp
16-10-2012, 10:03 PM
That's looking very nice, Mario!
cybereye
17-10-2012, 07:07 AM
Thanks Larry, your comments are appreciated! :)
Ross G
19-10-2012, 10:02 PM
A great capture Mario.

The start of an excellent photo.

Good luck.

Ross.
TrevorW
20-10-2012, 07:55 PM
A mote in gods eye

nice
cybereye
21-10-2012, 03:34 PM
Ross,

Thanks for that - it's always nice to get an affirmation that I'm heading in the right direction!!

Cheers,
Mario



Thanks Trevor - it's amazing just how much it looks like an eye!

Cheers,
Mario
lacad01
22-10-2012, 11:57 AM
Nice one, a bit like the eye of Sauron ;)
Moonman
22-10-2012, 12:09 PM
It feels great when the guiding drops into place. Nice pic!
cybereye
23-10-2012, 07:09 AM
It's funny how I've only just finished watching the LOTR trilogy with my sons and it didn't even occur to me!! It does, it does look like the eye of Sauron!!



Thanks for that! Unfortunately my guiding on the subsequent imaging run last week was rubbish! The scope moved after set-up and was no longer level but I didn't realise until I packed everything away in frustration. I guess that's what happens when 125l of water from a broken hot water system is emptied right where I plonk my scope when imaging!
astronobob
25-10-2012, 02:41 PM
Nice one Mario, dig the colours, all the best with your future imaging of this :thumbsup:
cybereye
29-10-2012, 07:03 AM
Thanks for the thumb's up Bob!

Cheers,
Mario