Here are a couple of images I managed to squeeze in between the clouds this year at Snake Valley.
1. NGC 1365. A compilation of 8 X 15 minute exposures calibrated with Flats and Bias files. This image was taken on the last night which ended up being the best night by far. A little high cloud proved to be a bother but I was quite happy with the end result.
2. NGC 253. A compiation of 4 X 10 minute exposures calibrated with Flats and Bias files. A few more exposures would have improved the depth of this shot but the sky on the second night was not very ffreindly and I was lucky to get these.
Both images were taken at Prime focus with Vixen VC200L at F9 with QHY8. Guided with a QHY5 through my Takahshi FS102 using PHD Guiding.
Flats were taken using the EL sheet and it worked like a dream. Wonderful purchase.
Thanks Mike. I did notice a bit of a colour cast afte I posted them. Don't know the cause. The originals don't seem to have this wash. Here is a couple with the red backed off a touch.
Thanks for the kind comment fellas. Always nice when the gear works well.
Leon, Sorry I missed your visit. Lack of sleep waiting for the sky to clear caught up with me. Next time.
Nice work Doug. Yes, the colour looks like its washed out a little. Perhaps due to being stretched rather hard. Try using the shadow/highlights tool in PS. It will perform both a non-linear stretch and also maintain colour saturation in the process. Don't over do it though - its easy to do. Keep up the good work.
I use shadows/highlights rather extensively as I've found it does a great job of stretching without changing anything else...
Thats a great pair of images Doug.. the NGC253 is so good for such short total exposure! But 1365.. Its just one of my favorite things to see images of!!
Snake Valley AC Images
