NGC3576 and NGC3603

[markas (Mark)]

NGC 3576, the large gas cloud on the right, is about 6kly distant.

NGC3603, the bright white patch in the teal surround on the left,is a very compact star cluster about 20kly away. It contains two very large young active stars, which are not resolved in this image.

This Hubble Palette image was shot from a dark site west of Mildura (best SQL 21.78). Total exposure 3hours 20min Ha, OIII, SII. ASA10N at f/3.6, SBIG STT-8300 camera, Astrodon filters, ASA DDM60 unguided.

Mark

[Placidus (Mike and Trish)]

As far as we can see from the small image, that's marvellous. The histogram shows the black point is strongly clipped so you're losing good data. Otherwise looking great. Well done! We'd strongly encourage you to post a link to a much larger version.

Best,
M & T

[dylan_odonnell (Dylan)]

Looks great! I must try this one.

[markas (Mark)]

Originally Posted by Placidus

As far as we can see from the small image, that's marvellous. The histogram shows the black point is strongly clipped so you're losing good data. Otherwise looking great. Well done! We'd strongly encourage you to post a link to a much larger version.

Best,
M & T

Glad you like this, and thanks for the comments. Re clipping, there is a little - this image was prepared for a A2 size print, and it looked better like that. Aside from that, I lost some detail in heavily attenuating Ha to get the colour balance I wanted.

I can't post a link at the moment - my website is down for reconstruction. When it's back I'll put up the original version.

Mark

[rogerg (Roger)]

It's amazing what's sitting under our noses. And for such short exposure time too! Very nice.

What focal length was it?

[markas (Mark)]

Thanks Dylan and Roger.

Roger, the focal length is 900mm.

Mark

[blink138 (Pat)]

what a wonderful object!
pat

[RickS (Rick)]

Nice one, Mark!

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Yeah nice one from me too Mark, where are you planning on placing the big A2 print?

Mike

[markas (Mark)]

Thanks Mike, Rick, Pat for the comments.

Mike, the print is one of 25 produced for Epworth Hospital in Melbourne. The series is on (semi)permanent display in the imaging departments at Richmond and Freemasons. All are A2 except for the 'centrepiece' which is an A0 of M42 (A bit risky!)

Mark

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Cool ...are they all your work? How did that come about?

Mike

[markas (Mark)]

Hi Mike,

Yes, they're all mine. The project was initiated by Epworth staff in response to various greeting cards of mine depicting deep sky objects.

We have also produed a self-guide tour booklet of the display to help people appreciate the images.

Mark