Just spent a few days at Leyburn testing out how to run my gear off batteries, and to have a peek at C/2009 P1 (Garradd) while it was near the Coathanger.
Now there is a lot to errors with the tracking and the processing but I am definitely glad to have had a go at it next to this great cluster, probably my No 1 open cluster.
12 x 300 sec, ISO 1600, Modded Canon 450D, WO 110, darks and flats and I had to wrestle with DSS and PS CS5 to get what I got. Inversed the image in B&W, then added it above.
No problem Humayun, I would have posted a larger image tonight, but I left my portable drive at work. It's also easier to see the flaws in he capture and processing in the larger image, but I'm glad you like it.
Here is a larger rendition of the Coathanger and C/2009 P1, and with it it is easier to see the flaws with the capture... a bit of rotation, together with noise and of course the trailing of the comet.
I have never tried to image this cluster before, is there nebulosity associated with it normally? Or have I tried to take too long subs?
Thanks Liz, the 300 sec subs really bring in the detail, also helps with a dark site and the Moon has set . I only took 120 sec subs the next night as the Moon was pretty bright, and after the cloud rolled in I wasn't able to have another go after Moon set.
Well done Tony,this is great to look at,lovely colour.worth getting a print done,forget the errors-I like it.
I tried a few single frames around the same nights as you,but I did not get the 'coat hanger' like you have-Have you used a 'field flattener' to get a greater field of stars?
