[jase (Jason)]

Originally Posted by Benny L

quick question Jase.. How much overlap is there between images in the mosaic? I have done a number of terrestrial images that result on the order of 1 gigapixel or more and I usually go for about 25% overlap between images.

Just curious to see if you have done something similar

Sure Ben. I'd like to give you a straight answer, but there isn't one. Depends on a couple of items, predominately on the pointing accuracy of your mount. It is critical that the RA and DEC coordinates you provide are centered in the camera's FoV with a high degree of precision. If your mount and/or its pointing model is accurate then overlap can be reduced. If you've not heard of plate solving before you'll probably want to do some research as it will save time in building a pointing model and other auxiliary activities (many uses). The goal would be to have as little overlap as possible to maximise image real estate, but in reality there are limitations. Clearly, you don't want to go too lean in fear of not having panels overlap. This is a pain as you'll need to go back and collected more data. It will happen to you as it did to me - its all a part of the learning curve and fun! I work on a 10% overlap for mosaics with this set up. Tools like Registar used to align the panels will work with as little as 3%, but I don't see the value in challenging that. Hope that helps. If you want to chat about plate solving or other similar aspects of mosaic work feel free to start another thread in the appropriate section on the forum - I've assisted others in this quest so theres probably quite a bit already online here if you search for it.

Originally Posted by RobF

Wow, wow and WoW!

Thanks so much for sharing AND giving us the details on how you achieved this magic Jase. I just can't decide what the highlight is. So many nebs and clouds in fantastic detail, and I can't get over the teeming masses of stars in the bottom right corner - all beautifully resolved!!

Thanks Rob. Its quite a dilemma to chose the favourite target. I like M23, the open cluster right at the top, but there are so many faint wisps of Ha spread throughout the image that could be good targets at much longer focal lengths. Like Tom mentioned in his post, its a great reference image for those wanting to try a few different targets not regularly imaged.

Originally Posted by Terry B

Amazing image.
Now what to do with it?
A very big wall needs to be covered.

Cheers Terry. Pleased you liked it. Will be certain to make a print of it in due time.