Unfortunately mother nature has given Sydney very few clear nights of late, so it is a case of grab what you can...
This is more a proof of concept image that I used to test my system at around 3700 mm focal length.
Why? As Fred says "narrow field rules!"
Despite the eggy edge stars (need to use a different barlow) and slightly soft image (a steady atmosphere at these FL's is very critical) I don't think the result was too tragic.
Eta itself is quite a challenge....I'll be keeping fickled fingers crossed that it remains clear tonight so I can get some HDR and high res data of Eta to layer with the rest.....
Eta itself is quite a challenge....I'll be keeping fickled fingers crossed that it remains clear tonight so I can get some HDR and high res data of Eta to layer with the rest.....
Even though once again you haven't given us the best view ala a small file ... this is clearly a lovely subtle image Peter, the extra FL certainly helps in revealing the fine detail. It's still not quuuuuite what I would call exemplary data for such a high end outfit but it is pretty good plus as you say seeing is an important factor.
When/if you've done more high res data it'd be interesting to see how your fickle finger stands up in this lineup, it would be a nice clear test of your superb outfit and the new configuration I recon..?
........It's still not quuuuuite what I would call exemplary data for such a high end outfit but it is pretty good plus as you say seeing is an important factor.........
IMHO high res deep sky imaging requires superb seeing and great guiding, as the latter literally swamps the optical resolution of most systems.
I typically get 3-4 arc sec seeing....which is around 10x worse than the resolution of a diffraction limited 360mm aperture scope.....(and 5x for a 150mm).
Hence lining up multiple fickle fingers does not say much about a systems intrinsic resolution....to me at least...but says buckets about the seeing on the night.
Not its not exemplary data, but for 50 minutes under a 1st quarter moon from the 'burbs.... I can live with it
Hence lining up multiple fickle fingers does not say much about a systems intrinsic resolution....to me at least...but says buckets about the seeing on the night.
Burk, burk, burk...chicken!
Quote:
Not its not exemplary data, but for 50 minutes under a 1st quarter moon from the 'burbs.... I can live with it
Moon and burbs have little effect on resolution .. but yes still pretty incredible to think about considering what was considered do-able years ago..
That's excellent Peter, wish you would just post high res data in the first place, you have such an excellent system it is a shame you feel it too risky displaying it's full capabilities..
Must be my canine colour vision , but I can't see any green stars on the monitor I am using.
Hi Peter,
Photoshop is your friend.
Here's a crop of one of the stars in your picture with the colour picker tool set to point source. Unfortunately the cursor didn't show on the screen grab so you'll just have to believe me that it's on the lower part of the green star to the left of the dialogue box.
... this is clearly a lovely subtle image Peter, the extra FL certainly helps in revealing the fine detail. It's still not quuuuuite what I would call exemplary data for such a high end outfit but it is pretty good plus as you say seeing is an important factor.
.. but yes still pretty incredible to think about considering what was considered do-able years ago..
You can even make up the Homunculus. Top work and unbelievable tracking. 
