This was meant to be a quick test image last night to help iron out the flats issue however the conditions were so good that I kept at it unitl 2 am when the laptop froze. The temperature had dropped to 8 degC and I was also freezing so decided to call it a night. After a lot of experimenting today I have finally worked out my processing issues so here it is...
35x5mins with flats and BIAS frames, taken with the QHY8 and 10" Newt.
Thats a great shot. That new camera is really producing some excellent images. you seem to have the processing side sorted out as well. Do you think that adding Bias frames has added a lot to these images?
Thanks for the feedback Mike and Geoff. I started imaging while the moon was still up so some of the glow might be from that (or the house lights!) and hopefully not from the flats artifacts.
I used 4s flats for this image - a bit longer than what Marc had recommended for the QHY8. With some more time I'll experiment with the other flats I have. I'm sure the bias frames have improved the flats processing compared to what I was getting without them.
A lovely image Peter, you’re producing some fabulous images with your rig. You’ll probably find the Qld Astrofest too short at 10 days, to fit all your planned targets in!
Thanks for the great feedback Marc, Doug, Mike, Dennis and Trevor. I really like this object although I've found it quite challenging to get a nice image.
Not long until Astrofest now Dennis. I'll be there for the whole show - hope you can make it this year.
Nice image scale and image detail. I would like to see the blue stars a little more though. Other than this minor detail this is a fine image. Well done.
