Helix nebula for the first time!

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

I simply can't believe how faint and hard this image is to capture! I took this over a few nights. Its LRGB 60:16:16:16 through ED80 F7.5 DSI III Pro guided.

Its noisy and faint - but I think its the best I can do in my area due to Light Pollution. I used a Hutech IDAS LPS2 and Baader UV/IR (Although I am now thinking I should have not used either on this object!).

Anyone else find this object difficult?

[dpastern (Dave Pastern)]

That's a good effort Paul, on what is by all accounts, a difficult subject. Give yourself a good pat on the back. More data can be added later too!

Dave

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by CoolhandJo

Anyone else find this object difficult?

Ooh yeah! I got a couple of "empty" subs where it's supposed to be. Cool shot. Came up nicely. I reckon it's one for darks skies or plenty of exp. time. Very well done though.

[leon]

Paul it is a difficult one at the best of times and needs a lot of exposure, however you have produced a fine effort for a first attempt.

I think it maybe a bit over saturated, and unless it was absolutely necessary why use filters, unless you pollution rates are pretty high.

The Hutech, is probably the only one i would have considered, however a fine job, well done.

Leon

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Thanks Dave Marc Leon. Agree that maybe a LPS not required on this one!

[telecasterguru (Frank)]

Paul,
I think you have achieved a wonderful result. The Helix looks great and the colours are vivid which I don't mind at all.
What are you looking to image next?

Frank

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Thanks Frank! I plan on maybe the Sculptor Galaxy. I hade a major catastrophe with my DSI III pro (I sratched the chip whilst cleaning it!). Its unusable for imaging (only a guide scope now). So I picked up another one the other day and have to take some dark frames etc. Once I do this I will look at the galaxy with the new imager. Just got my Canon 350D Modded also so once it arrives I will try the helix again! thanks again.

[Hagar (Doug)]

Nice image Paul. another DSI image with the blue and red tending to combine a bit. Maybe the filters used to aquire the RGB.
It isn't a target that over sturates very easy and takes a lot of exposure to get enugh signal to work with.

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Doug, I am using the standard Meade RGB filter set, with hutech LPS 2 and Baader UV/IR.

It would be interesting to tell the difference with say a Baader RGB set.

[atalas]

Paul,It's a nice shot! you don't need the IR block with the IDAS filter mate so loose It on your next round.

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Louie, your right! I just checked the sprectral response of both filters and the hutech LPS does it all! thanks

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

I am amazed at what the program "noiseware" done to this image! Removed a lot of the noise but left most of the detail.

I liked it so much I purchased it.