NGC5128, Centaurus A. Hey a repro!!

[cybereye (Mario)]

Hello everyone!!

Well I managed to get 2.5 hours worth of data of NGC5128 last night despite the high cloud, full Moon, city lights, bathroom light going on and off, the dog trying to leave little presents at the base of the scope, and any other excuse I can think of! The cloud was particularly annoying as the night seemed so promising. However I've stacked all the data I collected - about 5 of my 15 odd 10 minute subs are cloud affected but I'm discovering that you take what you can get these days...

Acquisition parameters from my backyard in Brisbane:
RC8 on an HEQ5 Pro
15 x 10 minute subs using QHY8L OSC
Guiding with PHD2

If I get a chance I certainly would like to add some more data to this... I think..

Cheers,
Mario

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

"Imaging: The final frontier
These are the voyages of the starship Cybereye
It's determined mission
To explore strange new colours
To seek out new processing and new imaging techniques
To boldly image under conditions no man has had to before"

- Captain Vecchi

Go Cantaurus A

[DavidU (Dave)]

Very cool ! the band detail is great.
Dave

[cybereye (Mario)]

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

"Imaging: The final frontier
These are the voyages of the starship Cybereye
It's determined mission
To explore strange new colours
To seek out new processing and new imaging techniques
To boldly image under conditions no man has had to before"

- Captain Vecchi

Go Cantaurus A

Hmm... Captain's log, stardate 1989-19-14... the Sidonio have sent a message which seems to indicate there is a problem with the colour balance of this image... "Spock, what do you make of this?" "Well Captain, it appears this image of Centaurus A has a purplish hue and an overly red central band. Perhaps the problem occurred whilst we were evading those asteroids which originated from the Dog planet.." "Scotty, turn the ship around, we may need to redo Centaurus A" "Ok Cappin, but I canna give you anymore powa..."

Originally Posted by DavidU

Very cool ! the band detail is great.
Dave

Thanks David - I too was happy with the detail present in the band...

Cheers,
Mario

[cybereye (Mario)]

OK,

Taking Mike's advice on board, I went back and reprocessed my NGC5128 data from Sunday night. This time I thought I'd try drizzle to see if I could drag any more information out of the image.

I now think my colours are reasonable and I'm very happy with the amount of detail I've achieved with my trusty RC8. I know to some it may look a little over-processed but with only 2.5 hrs of data from the 'burbs I need to do something!

The next time I'll take on board Paul's suggestion of longer subs - from my calculations 20 minutes is probably the best length for my setup.

Cheers,
Mario

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

The colour is definitely better, in fact spot on really..hmmm? but yes the galaxy features are a bit smudged, look kinda like paint brush strokes?.. what do you think did this? Looks like a processing artifact rather than high cloud...or?? doggy doo ..looks good if I squint

Mike

[cybereye (Mario)]

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

The colour is definitely better, in fact spot on really..hmmm? but yes the galaxy features are a bit smudged, look kinda like paint brush strokes?.. what do you think did this? Looks like a processing artifact rather than high cloud...or?? doggy doo ..looks good if I squint

Mike

Mike, it's because I'm an Artist! Seriously, the high cloud wasn't your "wispy" cloud type but rather your "Geez have I still got a guide star!" type of cloud. I also did mention that it might have been a tad over-processed... Really, considering the conditions, I think I should have stayed inside and watched the highlights of Italy against England.... again.... and again...

Forza Italia,
Mario