Hi All,
Long time no post...keeping busy, usual drill - you know how it is I feel sure...
May as well go out of '09 with a bang, well at least star shedding material that will go bang or burn out. Have not been actively imaging for sometime while I sort out some equipment woes, so here's a collaborative image with Alvin Jeng of Lightbuckets. Our mission was to top our previous attempt we produced over a year ago when the data was binned 2x2. This time, all data was collected 1x1 and we had more of it, but in reality it didn't make a dramatic difference to resolution given the seeing played a major role. It is however a significant improvement from the previous attempt with cleaner distinction between emission lines as the OIII ejecta shows. The Helix is always a fun target to image given its such a challenge. Here, I've presented the SHO palette which consists of SII:290min,Ha:200min,OIII:280min (total 12.8hrs).
The Helix - Reloaded
Oh, if you're looking for challenge, give the rarely imaged
Fornax Dwarf Galaxy a try. Its faint and diffused requiring long subs, particularly if you want to pick up the surrounding nebulosity. I submitted this to Astronomy mag and was notified I was the first person to ever submit this target. Clearly not on everyone's agenda...
Enjoy!
I'll get in early...I hope you and your family have a great Christmas along with a safe and prosperous New Year.
Cheers