Helix - a work in progress...

[cybereye (Mario)]

Hello everyone!

Inspired by the recent images of the Helix Nebula on this forum, I wondered if it would be possible to image the outer shells of this PN from my backyard, 12kms from the centre of Brisbane, with my 8" newt. Now the longest sub I'd previously managed in an imaging run was 5 minutes but I knew that this probably wasn't going to cut it so I decided to give 15 minute subs a shot.

Well my guiding was spot on - pause for self pat on the back - and I managed 8 subs last night which will form part of a larger collection of subs which I intend to take over the next week, and if needed, even longer. I've done a quick stack and process to see how this two hours worth of data eventuated and I think it definitely has potential.

The colour may be a bit off but I have managed to get one of the outer shells - very happy I am to see it!!

Cheers,
Mario

[Larryp (Laurie)]

That's looking very nice, Mario!

[cybereye (Mario)]

Originally Posted by Larryp

That's looking very nice, Mario!

Thanks Larry, your comments are appreciated!

[Ross G]

A great capture Mario.

The start of an excellent photo.

Good luck.

Ross.

[TrevorW]

A mote in gods eye

nice

[cybereye (Mario)]

Originally Posted by Ross G

A great capture Mario.

The start of an excellent photo.

Good luck.

Ross.

Ross,

Thanks for that - it's always nice to get an affirmation that I'm heading in the right direction!!

Cheers,
Mario

Originally Posted by TrevorW

A mote in gods eye

nice

Thanks Trevor - it's amazing just how much it looks like an eye!

Cheers,
Mario

[lacad01 (Adam)]

Nice one, a bit like the eye of Sauron

[Moonman (Michael)]

It feels great when the guiding drops into place. Nice pic!

[cybereye (Mario)]

Originally Posted by lacad01

Nice one, a bit like the eye of Sauron

It's funny how I've only just finished watching the LOTR trilogy with my sons and it didn't even occur to me!! It does, it does look like the eye of Sauron!!

Originally Posted by Moonman

It feels great when the guiding drops into place. Nice pic!

Thanks for that! Unfortunately my guiding on the subsequent imaging run last week was rubbish! The scope moved after set-up and was no longer level but I didn't realise until I packed everything away in frustration. I guess that's what happens when 125l of water from a broken hot water system is emptied right where I plonk my scope when imaging!

[astronobob (Bob)]

Nice one Mario, dig the colours, all the best with your future imaging of this

[cybereye (Mario)]

Originally Posted by astronobob

Nice one Mario, dig the colours, all the best with your future imaging of this

Thanks for the thumb's up Bob!

Cheers,
Mario