Caldwell 9 - The Cave Nebula - 15hrs Ha

[Steve 1962]

This isn't finished, but I just had to share it.

I managed to image (using SGPro) from 1830 last night until 0530 this morning, non-stop except for an auto meridian flip and an autofocus every half degree temperature change. 

Combined with a few subs from last week - this is 20 x 45min subs using the kit in my signature through a Baader 7nm HA filter.

The full size is here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/perrybarn/15681842077/sizes/l

These subs haven't been calibrated yet because I haven't got any 2700s darks, so the kit is out there running now - staring hard at its lens cap.  

My plan is to add Oiii to this, with some RGB stars (which I have from the last new moon). All I've done to this is a simple PI Histrogram Transformation and a very minor ACDNR.

..and I even got some sleep last night as well! 

..and the sun is shining! 

Steve

[bogdog]

nice work well done,

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Very nice!

[Steve 1962]

Thanks Bogdog and Michael - pleased you like it.

By the way Bogdog - I love the quote in your signature - we must be about the same age!!

Steve

[theo]

Super image Steve!!

Pete

[Davey-T]

Lovely image, look forwards to seeing the finished article, I dream of having a mount I can leave running while I sleep 

Dave

[Steve 1962]

Thanks Pete and Davey. It is nice to have a lovely mount like this - but it still takes a bit of bottle to trust it - I'm slowly building up to actually going to bed while it's running.

[Barry-Wilson]

Very nice Steve.  I look forward to seeing the finished image: it's nice to have clear skies after endless cloud.

I'm interested to hear your experience of whether you think for the 460EX calibrating with a master dark brings benefits beyond using only a master bias (or super bias)?  I've only used a master super bias after reading comments from other imagers of them dispensing with a dark for the quiet 460EX.

BW

Barry

[Steve 1962]

Hi Barry

Thanks for your kind comment - I'm pleased you think it's OK. It certainly was a treat last night to have clear skies and no moon all night!

I'm interested to hear your experience of whether you think for the 460EX calibrating with a master dark brings benefits

I've had the 460ex for a couple of years now and I've always used a master dark, master bias and flats for all of my images. I've never done an objective side by side test of dark and non-dark calibrated frames, but I'm definately going to have a play with this set of data.

I'm currently collecting about 30 x 45min darks because this image is by far the longest exposure image that I've attempted as well as being the most subs stacked together. I've very pleased with it as it is noise wide, and the last thing I want to do is ADD to it  noise after all those hours!! I'll report back once I have some objective comparsons.

One thing - what's a master super bias please?

Cheers

Steve

[Martin-Devon]

Steve, that's a cracking good image - the full size version on the link really shows the quality and depth, just fantastic!

Martin

[Steve 1962]

Hi Martin - many thanks!

Hope everything's OK down there in Devon??

Steve

[Barry-Wilson]

Steve

PI introduced a master 'super bias' a few months ago and is one of the processes, http://pixinsight.com/forum/index.php?topic=7266.

It was clear last night until dawn and clear tonight thus far, although cloud is due late evening, out adding more Ha and OIII 30-minute subs to my Heart Nebula.

BW

Barry

[bluedandelion]

Looks great so far. Hope to see the finished product soon.

Ajay

[Steve 1962]

Thanks Barry - I'd missed that completely - I'll have a play with SuperBias and see if it makes any difference.

Cheers Ajay - pleased you like it.

Steve