Hello everyone,
I wasn't going to post this image as I was just testing new gear, but it has turned out better than I expected.
This image is my first attempt at serious astrophotography. I have taken the occasional single frame before but this was my first attempt at stacking multiple subs and seriously trying to get a worthwhile image. On a side note its amazing how good gear makes the process SO much more enjoyable. I had struggled in the past with webcam guiding and manual focus. Now that I have a dedicated autoguider and motorised feathertouch focuser the process was much more fun and less annoying.
I was testing a GSO RC8 and a QHY5 guider. Both performed well, the QHY5 makes life a breeze!
Upon processing I discovered the image contained the movement of asteriod 700 auravictrix For more info and to see an animation
see this thread.
This image contains 4x3min 2x 5mins 1 x 10mins exposures @ ISO 1600. The mix of exposures was really just to test my tracking. I also took and used some dark frames and loaded them into DSS but I really don't know what I'm doing yet and haven't tried flats or bias' yet.
Canon 20D
GSO RC8
HEQ5
Stacked in DSS, curves and saturation in PS CS3.
Feel free to tell me how I can make this image or my process better. I have HEAPS to learn. Obviously it needs MUCH more exposure/subs for more data and less noise. I think the collimation is close but needs to be tweaked.
Thanks for looking,
Dave.