Ringtail Galaxies, NGC4038 & 4039

[Dennis]

Hello,

This is my 2nd attempt at LRGB imaging using the SBIG ST7E and I think the results are less than pleasing due to a number of factors; inexperience with LRGB processing not being the least!

The images were captured at F9.4 using the Mewlon 180 and SBIG ST7E fitted with CFW8A colour filter wheel. The filters are specified as being parfocal so I neglected to check the focus between filters and I think that resulted in a slight bloating of the images as I compare the results between filters.

The exposures were all 5 minute sub-frames, L, R, G and B with a total of 4 sub frames for each filter, giving a total exposure time of 80 minutes which still seems inadequate to control the noise levels in the data.

Overall, it has been quite a sobering experience, as I now better understand the work and talent that has gone into some of those wonderful LRGB images I have had the privilege to see on Ice In Space.

9th Feb 2008, Brisbane, Australia
Takahashi Mewlon 180 with Reducer/Flattener at F9.4
SBIG ST7E (Parallel) and CFW8A
LRGB 5 min exposures, 4 sub-frames per filter, 80 mins total exposure.

Cheers

Dennis

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Hi Dennis,

Lots of potential there - the colours look great. I have to admit I downloaded and had a play with it - a great opportunity to practice using all those magnificant freeware downloads. It wasn't too hard to soften the noise out - have you tried neatimage?

I'm no expert on focus but I'd be happy to get an image like this.

Peter

[tornado33]

I think its quite a good effort for 80 mins @f9. Normally one would expect to go for a few hours total @f9 to go really deep. A hint of the tails are there I can see.
Scott

[jase (Jason)]

A tough target Dennis. My hat goes off for trying it out. Looks like the seeing didn't help the situation or focus was subtly off. One big advantage of the LRGB technique is that the colour/chrominance data can under go heavy noise reduction without hindering overall image resolution. So don't be afraid to blur a little to get the desired noise under control. You can always re-layer the chrominance data to bring back the saturation. You've still managed to capture some pleasing detail. Well done.

[Dennis]

Thanks for the feedback and advice guys. I’m not sure if I’m hooked on LRGB with the Tak, just yet, as it would require a complete recalibration of my approach and expectations to my sessions outdoors.

I usually enjoy a smorgasbord of DBK doubles with occasional Planets, DMK Lunar, cruising and then Deep Sky imaging, as well as a bit of visual stuff, calling my wife to the ‘scope for the classical beauties that she thoroughly enjoys viewing.

Dedicating a whole session to a single image would be the honest approach to do justice to the equipment potential and the beauty of these DSO’s.

I guess that I’m being a little too greedy, being a bit spoilt for choice. I’m certain that Ezystyles must have multiple ‘scopes and sensors set up; I am gobsmacked at his prodigious output and the quality he achieves.

Cheers

Dennis

[Garyh]

Now that would be tough at a slow f-ratio . You have done well with the exposure time used!
Looks like the seeing was also a hindrance as well?
Just starting to show the antennas!
cheers Gary

[Ric]

Hi Dennis, a nice up close image there is some nice detail showing up in the galaxies themselves from the interaction and the faint tails are there as well.

Cheers

[EzyStyles (Eric)]

great going dennis. can even see the antennas just.