Finally managed to get some clear skies! I started this one months ago, but various things (mostly weather) conspired against me and so I've only just now managed to get anything close to a reasonable amount of time on it.
As usual I should probably have gotten more data, but got a little too eager to process it and now I find myself posting it. Total time is just shy of 7hrs.
The data captured months ago (a mere 2.5hrs) had some of the sharpest data I've ever had. The recent data was pretty average, and I think the collimation needs a tweak now too.
Superb! Beautifully processed. A lovely inspiring result.
Thanks mate :-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Atmos
Really well done Lee, lots of faint fuzzies in the background and especially along the left side of the frame. It’s nicely detailed
Thanks Colin!
Quote:
Originally Posted by multiweb
+1 Very detailed shot. Gorgeous colours.
Cheers Marc :-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
Top shot Lee, overall one of the best looking versions of this galaxy I have seen
Mike
I know the feeling of needing to bloody well process something!
Thanks Mike :-) When'll you be back at it again? You've got all your new gear finally, right?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoff45
Great shot Lee. Nice vibrant colour. Sharp.
Geoff
Thanks Geoff :-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Camelopardalis
Nice shot Lee
Is it just me or do the stars look a little streaky, all in the same direction? TL -> BR? Could just be my eyes of course
Cheers Dunk :-)
Not your eyes mate, unless it's mine too. That's what I was referring to when I said that I thought the collimation was out. I don't think it's guiding; it doesn't line up with either ra or dec. I think it's also slightly worse towards the top left than the bottom right. I've had similar issues in the past that I believe were were caused by the mirror sticking to one of the cork pads which may cause astigmatism and might also lead to a bit of collimation shift. Last time I noticed the mirror was stuck on the pad I was seeing shift, which was resolved after freeing the mirror from the pad. Thinking I should replace the pads, or the cell entirely, not sure what with though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kosborn
Very nice and particularly well processed. Really like the colour.
Thanks Mike :-) When'll you be back at it again? You've got all your new gear finally, right?
Meah, soon enough...waited for all the bits to arrive for a while, then the cleaning, modifications, setup etc..been a bit slow, plus the weather and life, ah sigh I'll get there.....
Not your eyes mate, unless it's mine too. That's what I was referring to when I said that I thought the collimation was out. I don't think it's guiding; it doesn't line up with either ra or dec. I think it's also slightly worse towards the top left than the bottom right. I've had similar issues in the past that I believe were were caused by the mirror sticking to one of the cork pads which may cause astigmatism and might also lead to a bit of collimation shift. Last time I noticed the mirror was stuck on the pad I was seeing shift, which was resolved after freeing the mirror from the pad. Thinking I should replace the pads, or the cell entirely, not sure what with though.
Phew, thought I was needing collimation myself
These newts are certainly high maintenance
It's a beauty despite the (very slight) wonkiness!
Meah, soon enough...waited for all the bits to arrive for a while, then the cleaning, modifications, setup etc..been a bit slow, plus the weather and life, ah sigh I'll get there.....
great 2997 again
Mike
Fair enough, I can certainly sympathise with that! Hope you're back up and running ASAP mate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Camelopardalis
Phew, thought I was needing collimation myself
These newts are certainly high maintenance
It's a beauty despite the (very slight) wonkiness!
You got that right If only there was an affordable 8" F5 APO!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Haese
Beautifully coloured and detailed image of this galaxy Lee. The colour is quite striking.
It's a beauty despite the (very slight) wonkiness!
Had a look at the collimation today... primary looked exactly as I left it last time (perfect to the best I can read it with the cheshire). Mirror was free from all the pads. No visible collimation shift when changing altitude.
Secondary looked fractionally off according to the autocollimator, but I don't think I have the spacing on that quite right since one of my adapters is stuck on to the eyepiece adapter. I think it'd only be about 5mm out so even if I'm off a bit with the AC it should still be within tolerance
Just had another look at this Lee, it is really good, never thought this was such a great galaxy really but your image has really brought it to life ...that's all, just had to say it
If you can fix those stars, hey, you will likely be at another level
Had a look at the collimation today... primary looked exactly as I left it last time (perfect to the best I can read it with the cheshire). Mirror was free from all the pads. No visible collimation shift when changing altitude.
Secondary looked fractionally off according to the autocollimator, but I don't think I have the spacing on that quite right since one of my adapters is stuck on to the eyepiece adapter. I think it'd only be about 5mm out so even if I'm off a bit with the AC it should still be within tolerance
I'll get there.....
If only there was an affordable 8" F5 APO!
