my start on NGC253 (repro)

leinad (Dan) · #1 20-10-2009, 02:26 AM

This is the first real test 2hrs on NGC253 ;5min stacks @ ISO800 with the Vixen VC200L.
I think this really needs stacks of 10mins to get more detail instead of 5mins, and definitely more hrs of exposure time.

Processing is still a fine art to master with average data.
Comments welcome. Thx

http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/t..._2_hr_proc.jpg

Paul Haese · #2 20-10-2009, 10:13 AM

This is a tough target I found. I captured 7.5 hours and it still looks dim to me. I would expect that I would need to capture 15 hours to double the brightness of this galaxy.

I would suggest that you might like to have a go at Ken Crawfords tutorial on sharpening. The data looks a little black clipped in this image. Stars are nice and uniform (shame I cannot boast the same) too.

rogerg (Roger) · #3 20-10-2009, 12:00 PM

I like the contrast of colour - blue to yellows. I find it hard to get that kind of varying colour on objects.

I think the image has a little too much contrast - the backgroudn too black, resulting in you losing some detail in the galaxy. I'd be interested in seeing a version which is a little "softer" on the processing with respect to levels/curves.

Nice result anyhow

leinad (Dan) · #4 20-10-2009, 12:41 PM

Thanks for the tips guys.

Eek, it does look clipped too hard on the work monitor. Processing on a laptop screen doesn't do any justice..

I'll have to process it on the Dell 27" LCD tonight which will be much better.

TrevorW · #5 20-10-2009, 03:22 PM

Dan my Sculptor was 2hrs data using 5minute 30sec subs longer subs would improve the SNR so keep at it

Cheers

seanliddelow (Sean) · #6 20-10-2009, 10:59 PM

Was this taken at the astrocamp?

leinad (Dan) · #7 21-10-2009, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanliddelow

Was this taken at the astrocamp?

Hi Sean yes, 1hrs worth was, an hr from a few weeks earlier was used as well.

g__day (Matthew) · #8 21-10-2009, 12:06 PM

Sculptor I find is a hard target (in light drenched Sydney). I have to take 10 second shots for my guide camera to get enough signal to grab a star to guide off. With that said your stars have a slight bump - signalling if guiding could be improved you'd be very pleased!

Very good result for your first attempt!

Octane (Humayun) · #9 21-10-2009, 12:37 PM

Daniel,

Great start, mate.

I was able to get a fairly bright NGC 253 with just 2 hours of data. I'd like to add more to it when I can, but, I'm not sure how much difference it's going to make.

The data is there in your image, you just need to coax it out.

Regards,
Humayun

leinad (Dan) · #10 26-10-2009, 03:38 AM

A quick repro. Need more data !!!

http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/t...sculptor_2.jpg

gregbradley · #11 26-10-2009, 02:28 PM

Sweet!

Greg.

strongmanmike (Michael) · #12 26-10-2009, 05:53 PM

yeh looking good Dan and the repro is a bit better, softer stars and slightly less hash looking.

Mike

LGT150 (lucien) · #13 27-10-2009, 07:08 AM

Belle galaxie bien traitée.
Amicalement Lucien.

Lunette Astro-Tech AT111EDT 111/777 C8 HEQ5PRO 350D Starshotautoguider LUNETTE ORION 80/9OO

leinad (Dan) · #14 27-10-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

yeh looking good Dan and the repro is a bit better, softer stars and slightly less hash looking.

Mike

Thanks Mike.

It's interesting to see how much more data you need, when your processing can only be pushed so far with acceptable results.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LGT150

Belle galaxie bien traitée.
Amicalement Lucien.

Lunette Astro-Tech AT111EDT 111/777 C8 HEQ5PRO 350D Starshotautoguider LUNETTE ORION 80/9OO

Merci de vos commentaires aimables

leinad (Dan) · #15 31-10-2009, 02:08 AM

Final repro for now.

http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/t...ptor_stack.jpg