Messier 20 - NGC 6514 - The Trifid Nebula

[PhotonCollector (Paul)]

Hi all,

This image is degraded by air currents in my 'scope, which I didn't realise until inspecting the image closely. Nevertheless this wide field image still looks acceptable.

The image is a stack of 16 x 2-minute exposures (32-minutes total) @ ISO-400 with the modified Canon 300D at the 2-inch prime focus of my 12-inch f/5 GSO scope on GEM. Hand guiding done with 4.5" f/18 guidescope. Used the 2" Baader Coma Corrector and 2" Baader UV/IR Cut Filter.

Dark frame subtraction, bias and flat-fielded in Iris, processed in Photoshop, some Noiseware used.

There's a higher resolution image here
http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/ngc6618_DSLR_copy(1).html

Paul M

[h0ughy (David)]

lovely colour and detail Paul, if you didn't tell me about the currents i wouldn't have picked it. Come to think about it I still cant pick it. excellent image

[ving (David)]

m20 is soooo beautiful and you have done it real justice

[xelasnave]

You would know better about the wind but to me it looks excellent, congratulations again Paul
alex

[PhotonCollector (Paul)]

thanks everyone,

Glad you liked the Trifid Nebula. When I examined the final image at 100% actual size, all the stars appeared like seagulls... well they all seemed to be flaring to one side - on that night I didn't use the telescope exhaust fan before imaging - so I was just guessing that air current in my scope had cause the stars to flare.

This become a lot less noticable when I re-sized the image to a suitable size for IIS and web site.

regards
Paul M

[tornado33]

Howdy Paul.
Nice shot, very deep, the blue and bright red really stand out. The stars look pretty good, Ive had the dratted air currents happened to me too when getting the scope out of the warm garage.
Scott