Some objects in Corona Australis

telemarker (Keith) · #1 01-06-2009, 12:32 AM

This area CrA together with the area around Antares area my favourites at the present. This image is 2.25 hrs in 5 min subs taken with an unmodded 20D through an ED100 scope. Steve Quirk and Steve Massey's book provides some detail of the area. The bight star at the top of the image is epsilon CrA with the globular cluster NGC 6723 to the left. Below this are reflection nebulae NGC 6726 and 6727 around and below the two stars in the dust clouds and a small triangular variable nebula NGC6729 slightly below these. IC4812 surrounds the brighter stars to the right. The dark nebula Bernes 157 extends into this region blotting out the background stars.

This image was another first for me as I just acquired an eeePC which was used to do the telescope control, guiding, DSLR control as well as being controlled from inside using Teamviewer on my other laptop. Very satisfied with this setup now. All I need now is DC power to the Canon so I don't have to keep changing batteries.

Please provide criticism/advice about the post processing - an area I need much more improvement.

Regards
Keith

Chippy (Nick) · #2 01-06-2009, 12:59 AM

I love it! Great work. Sounds like a sweet setup too!

telemarker (Keith) · #3 01-06-2009, 01:57 PM

Thanks Nick. I think there is more data in there that could be teased out but it's abit beyond me at the moment.

A slight repro to hopefully bring out more of the dust and nebulosity.

Alchemy (Clive) · #4 01-06-2009, 06:35 PM

the nebulosity around the bright stars is showing up well, the dust itself is much harder to bring up as its virtually black itself and so to separate it from the background cleanly needs super smooth data.

i am currently working on exactly the same area, i have done 10 x 20 min exposures, i have given it a process to see how its coming up, i reckon i will have to double it to get it smooth in the dusty stuff, its not easy !

my opinion on the processing is nothing beats being able to sit down with someone at the computer and throw ideas at each other while processing an image, eveybody sees things differently and has valuable ideas, .... see if you can take your data and hook up with someone in your area. have a coffee and enjoy the experience.

clive.

telemarker (Keith) · #5 01-06-2009, 07:50 PM

Thanks Clive. I found this hard to process, balancing bringing out the nebulosity without blowing the core of the globular cluster. Guess I'll have to learn about masking soon. I like your idea of hooking up with a PS guru, I'll put some feelers out. I'll also look forward to seeing the treatment you are giving this area, sounds like it'll be rather special.

Keith

scopemankit (Chris) · #6 01-06-2009, 08:41 PM

maybe even a tweak more!

telemarker (Keith) · #7 02-06-2009, 09:33 AM

Thanks Chris, there's plenty of dark dust there. Probably should follow Clive's lead and get a few more hours worth of data.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #8 02-06-2009, 09:44 AM

It's one of my favourite areas too.

More difficult to process successfully than the Antares region I've found. You don't have the luminosity of the milky way behind it to accentuate the dust clouds. It's just a matter of practice I suppose, to draw out the more subtle aspects of the image.
But you've captured some good data there to work with.
Looking forward to seeing some repros.

Alchemy (Clive) · #9 02-06-2009, 05:41 PM

try using the highlights /shadw tool this will bring out the fainter parts of the image, you will have to play with the radius section ( i use about 30) the key to this target is lots of clean data, that pretty much goes for all the really faint stuff. Clean Data is lots of well tracked frames with matching calibration files. well done for getting amongst it , i wish more would move away from the well known and try the harder stuff. you will never learn to swim staying in the paddling pool..... just dive right in to the deep i say.

i will have my image finished by the end of june.

cheers clive

telemarker (Keith) · #10 03-06-2009, 09:43 PM

Clive and Jeanette, thanks for the advice and words of encouragement.

After looking at Eddie's magnificent image I think a few more hours are needed on this target to bring the dust and nebulosity out and keep it smooth. I'll hold off the repro's until more data is at hand.

It's pleasing to see time being invested on what is a remarkable bit of sky. I'll look forward to your image Clive.

Cheers