M20 and IC4592 from GRAS.

[AlexN]

I know that taking images from a remote scope isnt the same as actually taking the photo... But I thought i'd wack this up to show what the Global Rent A Scope system is capable of...

Im happy as they are "my" first deep space shots, and I can not wait to be able to do it from home!

For now, remote shots make me happy!

Here they are.

[iceman (Mike)]

Very nice! Remote imaging is definitely a good way of getting some great data without the fuss.

[Zuts]

Good stuff,

I am going to use my free hour on the weekend. Any suggestions on a nice high face on galaxy, not M83?

Paul

[Garyh]

Good stuff Alex.
That sky90 gives a lovely widefield view.
Can`t wait too our broadband is fixed later this week so I can give it a go!
cheers
Oh do you get a big list of targets to image?

[jase (Jason)]

Originally Posted by AlexN

I know that taking images from a remote scope isnt the same as actually taking the photo... But I thought i'd wack this up to show what the Global Rent A Scope system is capable of...

Great start on DSO imaging. Well done.

I find it amusing that people think that acquiring data from a remote telescope is different from acquiring it on your own gear. Technically, it doesn't matter where you acquire it from. The data you collect still needs to be processed. Remote imaging doesn't magically turn you into a pro. As you progress down this winding road of astrophotography, you'll soon realise that acquiring the data is the simple component. Its the image processing, that consumes most of your time.

I like Gary Kopff's summarised post:
"As most astrophotography tends to be a bit like an iceberg, with 75% of the work going on 'beneath the surface' in the post-processing when you get back home, it requires a lot of patience when in the field and this may not be everyone's cup of tea while you stand around in the cold and dark doing the actual imagery." - http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=23213

The latter statements in the quote change with remote imaging. As it provides the ability to acquire data in the comfort of your lounge room or while spending time with family during the evening. Using remote gear doesn't provide instant success. You still need to work to get the best result from the acquired data (the 75%).

I will acknowledge that having some hands on skill in acquiring your own data does assist and provides a greater appreciation for the work people put in.

Originally Posted by Zuts

I am going to use my free hour on the weekend. Any suggestions on a nice high face on galaxy, not M83?
Paul

My tip for you Paul, as you've only got an hour timeslot. Acquire high resolution luminance data of a target you recently acquired with your own setup. You can then use the RGB data collected and layer it across the luminance. 6x10min 1x1 on the 12.5" RC has the ability to deliver a reasonable result. I personally wouldn't waste time on RGB. Keep in mind the moon will be close to full by the weekend - be prepared to deal with gradients. A better option would be to wait for the moon intensity to drop or get on 10" RC and acquire some narrowband SII, OIII, HA subs. You can do this on the 12.5" and shoot Ha, but at F/9 the Ha subs should be around 15mins each to get a good S/N. This would only give you 4 subs (60min). Not ideal. My point being, weigh up your options and plan your targets well in advance.

[AlexN]

Mike, Agreed... It was indeed fuss free and the results just make me want to spend the $1499 and get an EQ6 even more...

Paul, Theres a few good ones in the list, (not that I remember specifically) but the list is set up as a table, with name, a basic preview image, target location, exposure time required etc. Its all very nicely done.

Gary, From what I could tell the list of targets is quiet extensive, I had hoped M20 would be my first shot, but hadnt realised that here in brisbane, M20 rises earlier than it does in adelaide. The list seems to automatically update in direct relation to what is visible.

I still have 20 minutes left.. If i can get home from work early enough I'll use the last time on the horse head... if not, maybe another M20 shot and stack them.. Cant hurt to try.

[Brad Moore]

Hi Jase,

You are spot on. Remote imaging doesn't make you a instant pro neither does spending 70k+ on a imaging rid. Altho having the right hardware makes life easier in terms of acquiring the images.

One of the main benefits of remote imaging as you too well know you can get access to a large selection of telescopes and cameras at a minute fraction of the price of having to buy it all yourself.

The only problem with your suggestion is the beta testing offer is limited to G13 only a single shot color system with no option for the user to select exposure times. G13 Beta testes are more than welcome to upgrade their account carry the 60 points across and use any of the GRAS telescopes for a small but reasonable fee. However G13 is totally obligation free so it up to the users if they want to trial the whole network.

Cheers,
Brad Moore

[bluescope]

I did a few images with the GRAS last night and was less than pleased with the results. I realise that a single 10 min exposure is not going to give great results no matter what gear you are using. It was however interesting to see the script running throughout the process and no doubt if you invest a few hundred dollars ( at least ) you would get some better images. I will be sticking with my own setup but thanks for the opportunity of trying the network GRAS.
One other comment I will make is that having one hour of time did not translate into beeing able to take 6x10min exposures as each one takes more like 14-15mins when you include slewing, focusing, centreing etc. While I was doing one exposure the system stopped for some time before restarting the exposure resulting in a 21 minute chunk of time being deducted from my hour. Also I took 3 images and only received 2 in my email. As this was a trial I guess these things will be sorted. Good luck Brad and thanks.

[Brad Moore]

Originally Posted by bluescope

I did a few images with the GRAS last night and was less than pleased with the results. I realise that a single 10 min exposure is not going to give great results no matter what gear you are using. It was however interesting to see the script running throughout the process and no doubt if you invest a few hundred dollars ( at least ) you would get some better images. I will be sticking with my own setup but thanks for the opportunity of trying the network GRAS.
One other comment I will make is that having one hour of time did not translate into beeing able to take 6x10min exposures as each one takes more like 14-15mins when you include slewing, focusing, centreing etc. While I was doing one exposure the system stopped for some time before restarting the exposure resulting in a 21 minute chunk of time being deducted from my hour. Also I took 3 images and only received 2 in my email. As this was a trial I guess these things will be sorted. Good luck Brad and thanks.

Hi Bluescope,

Thanks for giving it a try as I have said it's not for everyone.

When you you first register and inside the menu interface of G13 I do make note that it takes about 15 mins for a 10 min image. This is because as you say the system has to slew, focus, point itself, process the image etc all on the fly. If your lucky and image during a moon you and if your quick you can get about 4 to 5 x 10 mins image.

Once again thanks for trying out the system.

All the best,
Brad Moore

[bluescope]

Hi Brad

I think the big advantage of the GRAS is that people in different hemispheres are able to image different skies without having to travel the globe. In that scenario it is a much more price friendly way of doing things and you should do well from being part of the network. I think it is a great resource for the global astronomy community to have access to and it will suite some people perfectly. Thanks again for the trial, it was fun.