First attempt at astrophotography after a couple of months of reading and reading, and only a few clear nights of learning how to align and guide. I got too impatient attempting drift alignment, too hard without illuminated reticle I think.
I decided to use M42 as my first attempt because it was images of it by Steve (Nighthound) from POTN that got me interested in astrophotography in the first place. Plus, I figure there are plenty of great examples for me to compare and see what it should look like.
Think I used too long exposures for this, next time might try more shorter exposures. Shot with 30D mounted on ED80 scope and HEQ5 Pro mount, 5 x 3min shots at ISO800, 5 x dark frames, and 5 bias frames, guided with PHD, stacked with Deep Sky Stacker, and post processed in Gimp using curves and GreyCStoration noise reduction plugin.
Please let me have any critique and/or comment you have to help.
PS - Yes, I know there's a big sensor spot bottom left, sorry.
PPS - I had an absolute ball processing this and can't wait to get out again.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/...f3828fa6_o.jpg
