First Galaxy

TechnoViking (James) · #1 18-01-2013, 10:38 AM

Here is my first attemt at a galaxy, M104 Sombrero Galaxy.
Im really happy with the result, still saving for that autoguider

600D DSLR with T-Ring
ISO3200
1 x 85 second exposure unguided
Not edited (except for resize to post here)

I do have a question: If i was to take 20+ shots and stack them, would it give more detail? or will it be much the same?
Or should i be taking video and stacking the AVI's for galaxies?

Im still on my DSLR "L" Plates

I know i need a autoguider to get longer exposures, which will prevent star trails, 85 seconds is the limit for unguided for me before i start getting tadpole shaped stars.

Any input from you will be very helpful

pluto (Hugh) · #2 18-01-2013, 10:47 AM

If you take more images and stack them it will lower the noise. That means you'll be able to "stretch" the image a lot more when you process it and you should be able to bring out more detail.

Manav (Yugant) · #3 30-01-2013, 12:08 AM

Not bad you should be proud of that. Also look at noise reduction use darks/bias as needed.

Poita (Peter) · #4 30-01-2013, 02:02 AM

I'd be taking 20 or more shots at iso800 of 1600 and stacking those. To answer the question, yes you will get more detail and less noise if you stack multiple shots.
Great work!

ZeroID (Brent) · #5 30-01-2013, 07:42 AM

Nice one James, my first galaxy pic was Sombrero as well with very much the same result, very satisfying when it all comes together.

Is this a jpeg, RAW or TIFF pic ?

Larryp (Laurie) · #6 30-01-2013, 10:43 AM

Very good, James!

TechnoViking (James) · #7 31-01-2013, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeroID

Nice one James, my first galaxy pic was Sombrero as well with very much the same result, very satisfying when it all comes together.

Is this a jpeg, RAW or TIFF pic ?

Just a JPG

tonight im going to experiment with stacking. looks like sombrero will be good viewing at around 11:30pm, although the moon is a little full for my liking, but will see how i go.

Is DSS able to stack RAW? if so i will use that.

my plan is
30 subs @ 60 seconds each (unguided)
20 darks
20 flats

which should hopefully cancel out alot of the noise and get some more detail.

Jon (Jonathan) · #8 31-01-2013, 10:43 PM

Nice work!

Yes, DSS can stack RAW (and CR2). DSS makes darks really easy to stack, and they are simplicity itself to get. And they make a big difference for these longer DSLR exposures. Flats are a little trickier :-)