DSO Targets

[Gavin1234]

Hi, wondering if you guys could suggest a few nice DSO targets for this time of year. I’m fairly new to the hobby so there’s a heap of things I haven’t tried.

I really like nebula with a lot of detailed cloud formation in it and especially ones with multiple colours like triffid. I would really love to photograph a spiral galaxy but haven’t had any luck with them so far. I’ve tried the sombreo and I think I got it but it’s a tiny elongated oval in the middle of my shot and I can’t see much of it. It’s position means I don’t have much time before it’s out of sight either.

So far I’ve got some decent images of Eta Carinae, Eagle, Lagoon and Triffid.

I’m using a SW Esprit 100 ED mounted on a Celestron CGX with an ASI017MC Pro cooled camera.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Here’s a picture of the lagoon and triffid nebula I took (just cause I like showing it to people )

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

Good one Gavin. Antares / Rho Ophiuchus. It can be a frustrating challenge, but one you will want to try until you get it right... still trying...

[Gavin1234]

Thanks Rowland, cameras taking frames as we speak

I’m taking 40 sec exposures, reckon they’ll be long enough? Not sure if my mount and alignment will handle 40 secs. I’ve just been doing 30 secs until my guide scope and camera arrive this week.

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

Take lots... as many as you can.

[Gavin1234]

Just did 100 and doing another 100 now.

I had to reset it (told it to GoTo) again after the first 100 because the mount was nearing the RA stop point. The first exposure of the second lot looked a lot different to the first 100 so I might have messed it up. The first 100 had a large star to the bottom left of the screen. The next lot have a group of 3 bright stars right in the centre.

I might have to make two stacks, will see how it goes.

[kosborn (Kevin)]

So many good targets. I also have an Esprit 100ED. Am imaging IC4628 (Prawn nebula) right now. Dragons of Ara, Eagle nebula, Corona Australis all high in the sky right now. So many more. I find dso-browser.com good for planning.

Kevin

[Gavin1234]

Thanks Kevin what a great website. Dragons of ara looks awesome, that’s definitely going on my list.

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

Nice shot! Although it's reversed.

For some more targets, M17 swan nebula, Helix nebula, galaxy NGC253 (The silver dollar) don't forget omega centauri, NGC4945 galaxy, NGC55 galaxy, Centaurus A.