EQ6, SPX350 F4.53, ATK-16HR, OAG+Mintron guidecam, Astrodon filters Ha 5nm.
My first attempt at deep space with ATK-16HR here in Oz and not the best image as I had to stretch it as it is quite faint so should have spent much longer on the Ha/colour and Lum to reduce noise. There was O3 but very faint and would have taken too long to pull out. This galaxy need a wider field or a larger sensor but I am pleased with the H Alpha smoke rings, this galaxy is continuously producing new stars in active regions within. Line of bright Ha on left pointing to 2 O'Clock position is Hubble I+III pair (middle left) and Hubble V and finally Hubble X (IC1308 - top middle of image).
Been having guiding trouble and collimation trouble, my mirror was loose so fixed that, guiding goes from very smooth to erratic. Back in UK my EQ6 could do 30min subs so will have to work on my setup here in Oz. Image should be flipped horizontally but forgot.
Ha-2.5hrs
L-2hrs
RB-8x5m each
G-6x5m
This barred irregular galaxy is some 14deg from Galactic Plane so making it visible, it is actually close to capricorn at mag 9.3 and right next to the Little Gem Planetary. At 1.6 million lyrs away and a tenth the size of our Milkyway with some 10 million stars.
30min subs from an eq6 with a 14" newt on it is pretty amazing... I'd be concerned that it was an autobot masquerading as an eq6.. Hiding in plain sight haha
Nice image.. The ha has really defined the nebulous regions of the galaxy very well
That is truly a great shot John. You've captured beautiful details in the Ha parts and the colour blend is very well done. One of the best I've seen of the area. Top work.
Thanks guys, Ha subs were 15mins but would like to get to 20-30mins soon for narrowband like I had in UK, my EQ6 PE is 35" but very regular. My polar align is not bad but PHD settings and EQmod need closer attention to fine tune it all.
There are so many new objects here in Oz its difficult for an immigrant from the UK to decide where to go next. You have some really impressive galaxies in Fornax/Sculpture catching my eye atm.
haha
