Jump to content

Banner.jpg.b89429c566825f6ab32bcafbada449c9.jpg

Another M51... But this is my first!


PhotoGav

Recommended Posts

Here is my rendition of M51 from Wiltshire:

post-29321-0-56841700-1398199341_thumb.p

24 x 900s subs at 800 ISO, calibrated with darks, flats & bias. Imaged with the Celestron 8" edgeHD and 60D. Processed in Nebulosity3 & CS3.

This is my first M51 and is also the first time that I have collected so much data for an object, clocking in at 6 hours. This was across two sessions, again I've never combined data from multiple sessions before, so was happy to acheive that. The first session was with an over 50% Moon, the second session with no Moon. Makes me wonder how much moon you can get away with - though the no moon subs are much better...

This image pleases me! I hope that it pleases you too. If it doesn't, please do let me know as that way I might improve!

Thanks for looking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 28
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Well done Gav - Great detail showing through there. My M51 started off the same rather muddy colour, but with some slider movement in the 'selective colour' part of the adjustments tab you will really be able to pull out the blue quite easily.

I don't know how you feel about going back and playing with data, but definitely give this a go. A cracking image with bags of potential, but it has so much more to give I'd like to see it!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for that Sara. I had a look at your M51 having posted this and did think, wow that's blue, where did all that come from - must be that lovely Atik camera...! So, interesting to hear that it is probably in my image too, but just needs tweaking out. I will definitely continue the processing and see what I find in there. I do quite like to keep to a 'natural' muted shades palette though, so won't be pushing it too far.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very nice, Gav. And smooth - no doubt a result of the total exposure time.  I also sometimes wonder about some moon, but I try to leave out subs which are easily seen as below standard on the basis that they will reduce the overall quality of the stacked subs.  Despite the moon, I think this is an excellent image with lots of detail.

Chris

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you Christopher and Chris. I am going to have a play with the colour and see what I can find in there...

As for the moon, the less the better definitely, but I did manage to get usable data on the first session, the 9th April, so a 74% moon. With the weather as it is, you have to take every opportunity...!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So - here's the result of playing with the colour:

post-29321-0-46974400-1398286583_thumb.p

A slight improvement, but I certainly didn't find the blues I was expecting... I tried Selective Colour, Match Colour and Saturation. None of these did a great deal for the blues. I don't think there is that much in there. I can see a few patches of blue, but not the fluorescent electric blues that Sara found! Any thoughts...?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow, the contrasts of both of the images are just amazing. I really like the colors too, it has a little sort of old school taste to it with the new possibilities of imaging. Job very well done!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you @moxican and Christopher. I think that's the final version for this attempt. I'm very happy with the detail I've managed to capture in this. On to the next target... Where have those clear skies gone?!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you Richard & Will. This project has left me desperately wanting to do more, but the weather is now being a pill again... Why does it always seem to go cloudy for the dark two weeks around new moon?!!? Grrr....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cheers. It was virtually impossible when I started with this scope in January - I was trying to use the finder scope to guide.... But, as soon as I purchased the OAG it all fell into place and, so long as the guide star acquisition stage is done with patience and care (yes, I've guided on a hot pixel...!) then it does seem to work incredibly well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.