Little bug(ger)

[LewisM]

Just 50 minutes on NGC6302 from the 'burbs.

Got some serious gradient I have tried dealing with, but it's still tainting the image a fair bit. Need to get out earlier when it's closer to zenith rather than in the west when I captured this data.

Focus is out just a whisker, but I shot this on a night with FWHM of 1.3 at best. I was averaging 1.41 FWHM when focusing (dropped ONCE to 1.19).

Anyways, shot with an SXVR-M25C OSC CCD through a 102mm fluorite refractor, riding a Vixen GPD2 mount. Most subs were 5 minutes, with 3 10 min thrown in. Not nearly enough flats and bias frames - only applied 5 each, needs at least another 10, and probably a stronger dither too.

Not much detail, but at least it's there.Going to try it with the LRGB cam next.

[LewisM]

Better detail: http://www.astrobin.com/full/51486/?mod=none

Needs a LOT more integration time (and some colour tweaking)

[Lee]

Nice one - It's a tricky one, small, bright in places, lots of dim areas too.....
Can you crop out the bug and show him at full res?

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

wow - i didn't realise the bug was so small !!!

[LewisM]

Nor did I Richard - the first trial sub on screen surprised me!

[LewisM]

Originally Posted by Lee

Nice one - It's a tricky one, small, bright in places, lots of dim areas too.....
Can you crop out the bug and show him at full res?

Here is a single 100% frame, unprocessed (apart from a small gradient removal, evident in some stars looking empty), cropped. Probably could have chosen a better frame...

Not a lot of detail, YET. Want to add a LOT more. Fascinating target.

[Lee]

Single frames are never that flash....
This target screams for long focal length, and big aperture.... I suppose they all do!

[LewisM]

I have f/9, just in 102mm

I reduced this down to f/7... wishing I hadn't!

It reminds me of the locust-like Martian from Dr. Quatermass and the Pit.

[naskies (Dave)]

Might be worth trying some shorter subs and/or throw a 2x barlow in there... the core of the bug is actually really, really bright and easy to overexpose.

[LewisM]

Well, the last night I was out was COLD (around 11:45, it hit 5° here (cam went COLD!!!), and, alas I also got cold. Recovering now, so I may try tomorrow night.

Shorter subs in order. Wanted to grab as much outer tendril as possible first, then crack in the core later.