Thanks Chris, Leigh! It's all about the conditions, I was just lucky with two decent nights
Before I get going, I go for a mag 2 or so star to check collimation and this also gives an indication as to the conditions. Ideally we want a perfectly steady star but that must be very rare! Also verify you've got good focus. These two are key to getting a good capture. Well, that and the sky!
My basic processing workflow is:
- stack in AS!3. Small chunks, about 30seconds worth each
- WinJupos derotation with results from stacking (aim for a handful)
- sharpening in tool of choice (I tend to overdo it!)
- usually a splash of extra colour (I find the 224 a bit anemic)
This image was composed of 12 captures of 3000 frames (at 100fps) each, ~about 1000 frames from each stacked, then derotated before a little sharpening and a boost to the saturation.