1st deep space pics

Kal (Andrew) · #1 06-12-2006, 06:02 PM

A few weeks ago i got a few new toys, namely a 10" LX200R, a 3.3FR, and a DSI PRO camera. I've done some planetary/solar imaging before with my ETX90 (I'm still cursing that small sunspot I thought was mercury

) but I've never tried deep space.

Most of these images are just getting to know my way around my new equipment, but I think I have some potential

All images are alt/az and unguided (got some mounting rings / counterweight system on the way so I can stick my etx there for now). I also forgot to take some flats so I had to use photoshop magic wand took to remove dust motes

*Saturn nebula (1st target I shot at F10 making sure my DSI worked). Couldn't image the 'ears' without saturating the central nebula.

*M79 (using 3.3FR)

*NGC1535 (using F3.3 FR, 150% enlarged in photoshop)

-Andrew

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #2 06-12-2006, 06:52 PM

Geez, if you can get them that good unguided, imagine what you can do when you're fully set up!
How long were your exposures?

Lee · #3 06-12-2006, 06:56 PM

Not bad mate.... My first DSI attempt didn't result in even one recognisable image! There's a learning curve here, welcome aboard!

Kal (Andrew) · #4 06-12-2006, 06:57 PM

I was trying all different exposure lengths using autostar suite to stack em, I seemed to get best results with <15 second exposures. I think the saturn nebula one was 1 second exposures (100 frames), M79 was 8 or 15 second exposures (only about 10 stacked) and NGC1535 was 8 seconds (again about 10 stacked).

Kal (Andrew) · #5 06-12-2006, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plasmodium

Not bad mate.... My first DSI attempt didn't result in even one recognisable image! There's a learning curve here, welcome aboard!

Thanks

My first night out with the 3.3FR I couldn't evenm get it to focus, I stuck on all the extenders and though "oh no! not enough length!!" then the next day I realised I had too much length

The software learning curve is even more intimidating! All fun though

leon · #6 06-12-2006, 07:56 PM

Nice going Kal, you should have seen my first attemt, but then again maybe you shouldn't see it, your on your way.

Cheers leon

Ric · #7 06-12-2006, 08:14 PM

Hi Kal, they are nice images for your first attempt, I like your Saturn Nebula.
The f/3.3 can be a bit tricky to start with but it doen't take long to get the hang of it and then it will prove to be a great tool.

looking forward to more images