First Narrowband

[Meru (Michael)]

Hey guys and gals,

It's been a while since I've done any imaging. My new job (Which commands a total of 2.5 hrs driving time a day just to get to work and back) and melbourne's weather has been keeping me away! I also bought my QHY9 some time ago but never really used it, and when I did, it wouldn't work. Talking to Theo this week finally fixed it! Last night it was *Finally* clear so decided to give my first try at narrowband

It all sort of came together perfectly as if a reward for testing my patience last few months with all this new gear I've bought. I'm very very happy with the results, last night was just a proof of concept so now that clear-skies summer is here, I can finally let go of my trusty DSLR ways and start getting into cooled-CCD imaging. And yes I know I'm a bit late in the year with these targets Anyways here are the details:

Imaging: 80ED
Guiding: Orion ST80,$30 homemade webcam, PHD
Mount: NEQ6
Camera: QHY9 + 7nm Ha

Swan Nebula - 4x600sec + 2x900sec.
Very happy with the results. Even more so considering I used no darks or flats (Since I only got the camera working last night), nor do I have any idea on how to process FITS so I sort of guessed my way through stacking and packing

Eagle Nebula - 2x600sec
Guiding became an issue here, but once again quite pleased given only 20min of data here and once again no darks/flats.

Overall I'm a happy camper Hope you like! One last thing to come out of last night is that I think it's about time I sold off my 80ED. I got a 120ED recently and between that and my RC8, I don't really have a need for it (Especially if I get a reducer for the 120ED and use my Full-Frame DSLR for widefield shots).

Clear skies!

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Originally Posted by Meru

Hey guys and gals,

It's been a while since I've done any imaging. My new job (Which commands a total of 2.5 hrs driving time a day just to get to work and back) and melbourne's weather has been keeping me away! I also bought my QHY9 some time ago but never really used it, and when I did, it wouldn't work. Talking to Theo this week finally fixed it! Last night it was *Finally* clear so decided to give my first try at narrowband

It all sort of came together perfectly as if a reward for testing my patience last few months with all this new gear I've bought. I'm very very happy with the results, last night was just a proof of concept so now that clear-skies summer is here, I can finally let go of my trusty DSLR ways and start getting into cooled-CCD imaging. And yes I know I'm a bit late in the year with these targets Anyways here are the details:

Imaging: 80ED
Guiding: Orion ST80,$30 homemade webcam, PHD
Mount: NEQ6
Camera: QHY9 + 7nm Ha

Swan Nebula - 4x600sec + 2x900sec.
Very happy with the results. Even more so considering I used no darks or flats (Since I only got the camera working last night), nor do I have any idea on how to process FITS so I sort of guessed my way through stacking and packing

Eagle Nebula - 2x600sec
Guiding became an issue here, but once again quite pleased given only 20min of data here and once again no darks/flats.

Overall I'm a happy camper Hope you like! One last thing to come out of last night is that I think it's about time I sold off my 80ED. I got a 120ED recently and between that and my RC8, I don't really have a need for it (Especially if I get a reducer for the 120ED and use my Full-Frame DSLR for widefield shots).

Clear skies!

hey meru,

great work! particularly with the Swan. i understand your discontent with the melbourne weather, seriously when does the wind ever drop below 15-25km/h! let alone not be cloudy! it definitely makes choosing your times limted!

Some very promising potential with the QHY9 good luck

[Meru (Michael)]

Hey Russell,

Thank you Yes I know!!!! Argh its horrible. I'm lucky to have my imaging area near some walls and trees so the wind doesn't blow too hard. But problem is, lots of turbulence then and my seeing conditions go down! Just can't win with Melbourne hehe.

Meru

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Originally Posted by Meru

Hey Russell,

Thank you Yes I know!!!! Argh its horrible. I'm lucky to have my imaging area near some walls and trees so the wind doesn't blow too hard. But problem is, lots of turbulence then and my seeing conditions go down! Just can't win with Melbourne hehe.

Meru

haha seriously! I'm thinking of going to the country! perhaps you need to set up a place near your long commute for the telescope system??!

[multiweb (Marc)]

That's superb. Really well done.

[omegacrux (David)]

Nice pics Meru
They look good in b&w

David

[Meru (Michael)]

Sorry about the late reply guys!

Russel - LOL That would be ideal wouldnt it? I work at tullamarine airport so plenty of open land there I wonder if they'd let me setup next to the runway

And thank you Marc & David

[Ross G]

Great looking monochrome shots Meru.

Good luck with the QHY9.

Ross.

[Meru (Michael)]

Thanks Ross