November Deep Sky Imaging Challenge - Images & Comments
Thanks for some renewed enthusiasm during October, even considering the blessed La Nina we're experiencing. (I didn't even setup my gear this month...)
I'm still looking for any suggestions or comments about how this challenge might be spiced up would be appreciated, eg. one target only, or introduce voting??
Targets for November:
M30 - Globular Cluster in Capricornus
NGC300 - Spiral Galaxy in Sculptor
Many seasoned imagers will have imaged these targets before, possibly even this year - it would be an exercise in frustration to attempt to find something that had never been done. The challenge may be to image these objects with new equipment or try some new processing techniques.
The challenge is open to all comers. There are no classes or categories – everyone may post images for both objects. Seasoned imagers will hopefully provide some inspiring images, along with advice for beginners with more modest equipment.
Please submit all images with the following standard information:
* Scope: (+/- reducers/flatteners)
* Imaging device:
* Mount:
* Guiding:
* Exposure details: (include ISO for DSLRs, temp for CCDs)
* Stacking method: (Median, average, sigma, etc. Darks, flats &/or bias frames)
* Summary of post processing:
* Darkness of imaging site: (Good, bad, ugly!)
* Date(s) image taken: (Ideally the image will be taken during this month, but previous work is not excluded to allow for weather and other life commitments)
The usual 200kb limit for files applies. Adding a link to a higher resolution file is encouraged.
There will be no voting on the best image(s) of the month. The aims of the game are participation, especially from beginners, and learning, hence the standard list of information requested. The “methodology” of this challenge is open to review, and comments are appreciated – please PM me.
Target: Messier 30 or NGC 7099 in Capricornus
Scope: GSO CF RC200 with WO F2 .8 reducer
EFR: ff.6,4
Mount: EQ6 Pro
Exposure Setting: Prime focus
Exposures: 12 x 5 minute and 3 x 10 minute 13/09/2010
Seeing: No moon, slight wind, suburban LP
Guiding: Orion Starshoot Autoguider using PHD with ED80
Focus: Focus using Bahitnov mask
Stacking: DSS with 6 darks and bias frames no flats Sigma Kappa
Processing: PS CS3 using Carboni Actions, primary image run is adjust levels keeping green less than blue and red, perform curves adjustment run a low gradient removal then apply saturation readjust levels increase brightness and contrast selective sharpening and background adjustment as well as curves adjustment and colour balance. Then run a .25 setting crisp filter in IRIS
Planewave CDK17, FLI Proline 16803 @ -35C, Astrodon Gen 11 LRGB filters,all 10 minute subs, from my backyard observatory,
seeing was good 7/10, darkness and transparency were good.
Thanks again for the contributions this months Gents.
A nice cross section of equipment producing impressive images, in spite of the weather...
I am holding this months challenge for the moment - half of Australia is in flood anyway, so imaging time is virtually non-existent!
I'm considering spicing things up a bit and am discussing a few things with Mike and Andrew. The timeframe will definitely change to a challenge that runs over two months, at least for the summer when shorter nights, weather and the holidays intervene.
