M8 - Lagoon Nebula - From Linden

[Eternal]

Seeing from Linden Observatory in the Blue Mountains was fantastic this Saturday (15th Sep 07), the best we at WSAAG have had in the past 6 months (my opinion).

The following M8 is 30 x 1 minute subs @ ISO 1600, 10 darks & offsets, no guiding (can't get a decent guidestar despite my recent investment in an f5 Skywatcher 80mm short tube refractor). Will need to invest in a Meade DSI as my Logitech Quickcam 5000 can only pick objects that are extremely bright (Sirius, Moon, Venus).

I've pretty much overprocessed this image as the noise was very high. Really need a decent guidecam so I can do longer exposures at lower ISO (400 - 800). Overall though I resonably happy with this image.

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

I reckon that looks great! I'm not an astrophotographer but I know what I like the looks of, and I do like that image.
You've captured lots of whispy detail, the faint stars look fine and crisp, the brighter ones are pretty well defined. I'll be looking out waiting to see more of your work.

[Alchemy (Clive)]

Very nice lots of detail for 1 min , once you sort out the webcam or whatever you guide with you will be able to go longer and deeper..keep it up.

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

There's a HUGE amount of detail hiding in that image. Here's a single go with curves. I'm sure you could get much more.
Geoff

[Eternal]

Mate, you're a legend! I'm now going to have to go over all my pics with that magic tool!

[h0ughy (David)]

pretty good for all the limitations. DID you have fun getting it?

[Dr Nick (Nick)]

Nice, I like the amount of it lighting up in the second process but i think it is a little too red and it looks like you have trimmed the black piont but still a good image!

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by Dr Nick

Nice, I like the amount of it lighting up in the second process but i think it is a little too red and it looks like you have trimmed the black piont but still a good image!

I agree that it's a quick and dirty processing. I just wanted to point out that there is a lot of untapped potential in the image.
Geoff

[Eternal]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

pretty good for all the limitations. DID you have fun getting it?

Did I have fun taking the image? I always have fun taking it. Indeed I have to much fun....it's so damn addictive. So addictive I've even contemplated buying my own home out in the bush somewhere so I could have a permanent setup with clear dark skies. I then take a cold shower by looking at my bank account.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by Eternal

Did I have fun taking the image? I always have fun taking it. Indeed I have to much fun....it's so damn addictive. So addictive I've even contemplated buying my own home out in the bush somewhere so I could have a permanent setup with clear dark skies. I then take a cold shower by looking at my bank account.

LOL I just have to look at the wife for that effect - that cold damning stare - reality is not what its cracked up to be

[Craig_L]

Hi Eternal,
Great shot. Wish I could do the same. Like Geoff, I thought I would have a fiddle with your image. Hope you don't mind. Used Noel Carboni's Astronomy Tools - a plugin for PS. Just a couple of clicks.



Maybe a little more detail in the outer nebula, but lost a little in the centre.
Craig

[Malmsteen]

un real photo i say very nice