Here goes, first attempt!

barx1963 (Malcolm) · #1 19-02-2009, 10:28 PM

OK everyone, I have had my first crack at an image. Really just more about learning the camera and photoshop a bit while I am saving for a better imaging setup.

Thought I would have a go at the Jewell Box as I had Beta Crucis in the field to assist with focusing and sentimental reasons as it was the first NGC object I ever found by myself!

Taken with an unmodified Canon 400d, mounted on Meade etx70 at prime focus. stack of 5 second exposure at ISO 1600. Short exposures as scope is in alt az mode. I brought out a bit of red, hopefully not to much, as there are afew nice red stars around the area. I really like the little jewell just above Beta Crucis.

I could be wring but the little blue patch at the very top of the image "may" be a planetary neb. Anyone know? It is labelled as P302.2+2.5 in Uranometria.

spearo (Frank) · #2 20-02-2009, 06:21 AM

Good on ya Malcom
welcome to the imagers club!
I'm not sure but could the bright spot be Mimosa?
frank

theodog (Jeff) · #3 20-02-2009, 07:35 AM

Yep, I agree with spearo -nice start.
Guide 8 has the bright blue as Mimosa.
Colours are well shown.

Try to spend more time getting focus Malcolm. In the beginning it seems you spend more time focusing than imaging. It will pay off.

Oh, it's a long, frustrating and rewarding path you've started down.

Welcome and have fun.

Hagar (Doug) · #4 20-02-2009, 12:09 PM

Nice start Malcom. Your focus is a little out still. It is always easier to shoot off some test shots while adjusting focus and by doing so you inevitably get a much better focus although it does take a little longer.
Keep at it and in no time you will be taking some really great shots.

barx1963 (Malcolm) · #5 20-02-2009, 12:57 PM

The brightest star is definitely Mimosa.
The less bright yellowish star at the tp and right of the Jewell Box is Iota Cruxis. The possible Planetary Neb is quite faint at the cery top of the image directly above the Jewell Box. In some of the better images before I stacked it appears quite fuzzy, so with it's blue colour and fuzziness, thought it may be a PN.
Anyway, thanks for the encouraging comments, I will keep working on the focus.
My next little task is to process some images of M44 and then (clear skies permitting) to see if I can get an image of comet Lulin!

Ric · #6 20-02-2009, 02:30 PM

Well done Malcolm, a fine start and welcome to the dark side.

Astrophotography is a great hobby but keep lot of notes about your images, they will prove invaluable as you progress along.

Cheers

leon · #7 20-02-2009, 02:32 PM

Malcom we all started at the point you are at now, and you will have some hiccups on the way, but for a first attempt you have done well.

Keep at it mate, it is along road, but most enjoyable, and you will be broke from now on.

as this imaging stuff, just gets you hooked.

Leon

barx1963 (Malcolm) · #8 20-02-2009, 04:13 PM

Thanks Ric. Have already learned the value of Notes!Leon. Good to know there are fellow souls near here, must make it up to Ballarat to pick your brains sometime!I have had a look at some of the raw images, and they are better focussed and sharper than the stacked image. May have a play with a single exposure and see if I can bring out more detail with levels.

leon · #9 20-02-2009, 04:43 PM

Ah so you are, not far away at all, would love to meet up one day, just leave it till I get back from Tassie, I will be there for a couple of weeks, and then at the end of March, will be heading to the Snake Valley Astro Camp for 4 days.

Now that is a place where you could learn heaps in a short amount of time, well worth the effort, many experienced people ready to answer all your questions.

Talk to you soon.

Leon