M51 - 4-6-07 - First Go At A Galaxy -

[jcm]

OK , this is my first go at a galaxy. It was 20 images at 1min exp each at 800 iso using the 350D.

The only processing was levels and curves. I find the image on my lap top is often darker than it appears on the web site. So the background my be a bit light. I think taking a lot more subs would have reduced the noise.

PS Changed the images to ones with a darker background.

John

[dazza1639]

A couple of crackers there John.

Darren

[jcm]

A couple of crackers there John.

Darren

Thanks for that Darren. I only wish I had decent processing skills. Oh well I suppose it will come with time.( probably a long time )

John

[MartinB]

Wow! Superb 1st go is that John. The set up is working for you - the stars look really tight. Glad to see you've given it a reasonable amount of exposure time for a 1st go. 1 hour will pull even more out for you.

[jcm]

Wow! Superb 1st go is that John. The set up is working for you - the stars look really tight. Glad to see you've given it a reasonable amount of exposure time for a 1st go. 1 hour will pull even more out for you.

Yep , the auto guiding is just about perfect. I think some long runs are on the cards , though last night the sky was making the early images very blue - hence the 1min subs.

John

[anthony]

Great image and excellent start. Lots of detail coming through.

[geppetto]

A cracker John..

Well done

[huwbellamy]

Awesome John,

I couldn't find M51 last week and now I don't think I need to. I haven't considered imaging, just observing for now. Those really are fab pics

Huw.

[Kaptain Klevtsov]

Very nice indeed John.

Kaptain Klevtsov

[stargazer1980]

I prefer the top image tbh! Its a lot clearer and you can see alot more detail in the arms of the spiral!

Darren

[themos]

First go? Wow! You must be very pleased with these.

[mpeniak]

That's stunning :shock:

[Peter]

I'll just have to agree with what everybody else as said. Thats one superb image. Well done.

[zhgutas]

No comments... :salute:

[jcm]

Thanks for all the positive comments.

When I get clear weather ( cloudy last 2 nights) I shall have a go taking at least an hours worth of subs.Not sure what the target will be though.

John

[centroid]

Nice going John, excellent start!!

'Keep em comming'

Dave