M31, M45, NA Nebula - 200mm f3.2 (Observatory 1st Light)

[thenews24]

A few recent images with the 60D, 200mm f2.8 combo (stopped dopwn to 3.2), guiding with the 80mm Orion short tube and DMK 21 (shoestring astronomy interface). All attahced to a GM-8 on my homeade 6" ridgid pier, for the Fernvale Observatory's first light. Buliding and power t be built and ran soon.

M31: 30 X 4min, 500 iso

M45: 9 X 4min, 500 iso

NA Nebula: 13 X 3 min, 800 iso.

I did not incorporate flat frames with these image. Everytime I add flats to DSS, the final stack becomes distorted and data is lost on certain sections of the frame. Not sure why this is happening. I am taking flats using my laptop monitor flush with the lens hood, covered with a white t-shirt. The flat data is plotted in the middle of the histogram, image is a light greyish color. Seems like a decent flat from what I have seen other people do. So I left out the flats and used only my drak frames.

In terms of processing, this is the best color representation I have achieved so far with the stock DSLR. I fought noise off with both the dust and scratch filter and noise/median filter. The core of m31 could use some more work, and I belive I might have shrunken the starts too much. But prefer tiny pinpoint stars than overpopwering fat ones.

My ultimate goal is to purchase the SBIG 8300M with cannon eos adapter and use the 200mm f2.8 with it. Then eventaly step up to a filter wheel.  Thanks for looking.

http://youtu.be/GpfokfU4jv4?list=UUBRiMt0YryRC5nmTenAYTKg

[ollypenrice]

If you can't get flats to work then DBE in Pixinsight would sort you out. This is good stuff, and very good stuff is tryng to get out!

O9lly

[lensman57]

You have a lot of data in the capture of M31 that just needs to be teased out. well done.

A.G

[thenews24]

If you can't get flats to work then DBE in Pixinsight would sort you out. This is good stuff, and very good stuff is tryng to get out!

O9lly

Thanks Olly

[jgs001]

Fantastic, love the FOV on M31.

[Knight of Clear Skies]

I like the subtle colour on the M31. You've done well to bring out that much Ha with an unmodded camera on the NA and Pelican.

[Twisted Lip]

Looks fantastic, I'm guessing you've captured from an area with little LP?

Will

[thenews24]

Looks fantastic, I'm guessing you've captured from an area with little LP?

Will

I am located about half an hour, southwest of Nashville, Tennesee. The LP is prominent north, north east, and to the west towards a suburb. Between 40 degrees and Zenith and my southeasterly skies are fairly dark. I can  see Milky Way Struture with the naked eye on clear nights.

I shot NA nebula when it was on the east side of the meridian.

[PatrickGilliland]

If it helps I found that resetting DSS from time to time was required - if I recall correctly there is a reset to default somewhere in there.

But as per Olly's comments DBE can assist if available to you as well.

I do flats and DBE most times just to be sure!

Paddy

[Tom OD]

ABE in Pixinsight might even do a better job too as its uneven illumination rather than a light gradient I think

Lovely pics by the way

[Spr]

Really nice, a good natural look to M31

as above pixinsght is worth the money.

[Twisted Lip]

I am located about half an hour, southwest of Nashville, Tennesee. The LP is prominent north, north east, and to the west towards a suburb. Between 40 degrees and Zenith and my southeasterly skies are fairly dark. I can  see Milky Way Struture with the naked eye on clear nights.

I shot NA nebula when it was on the east side of the meridian.

Thats an even greater capture given you'e had to battle with light pollution too! Coincidentally I used to live about 3 hours down the road in Memphis and pretty much had to abandon astronomy for the time I lived there because of the LP!

Will