M42 attempt with Deep Sky Stacker

[ejwwest]

Here's 14 frames of 30s @ ISO 1600 stacked with DSS and using 2 dark frames. The scope is an EdgeHD 925 with a moonlite focuser f/10 and camera Canon 40D DSLR. Any recommendations on the best settings in DSS (I used the defaults basically) and post processing wit PS Elements 8?

M042 Orion Nebula by ejwwest, on Flickr

[lukebl]

IMHO I don't think there's anything wrong with your DSS settings. You just need to tweak the post-processing a bit. Also, you need to take a series of shorter exposures to avoid burning out the core, and a lot more exposures (subs) generally. Here's a quick tweak I did in Photoshop, but I'm sure others more experienced will be forthcoming.

[ejwwest]

Thanks. I did take another 20 subs after a dark frame with this set but slightly nudged the scope in the process leaving a significant chunk of M42 off the frame! Will try more shorter (and/or lower ISO) subs next time.

[Peter Reader]

Good image! How many short subs do you recommend adding to the burnt out exposures?

[ejwwest]

Here's an attempt from last night with 40 subs and 15 second exposures at ISO 800:

M042 - Orion Nebula by ejwwest, on Flickr