M42 with QHY-8

[Mike Hawtin]

Gave M42 a shot this morning, quite pleased considering the short integration time but I am struggling with blue bloat removal. I am still a fumbler with Pixinsight so would appreciate any pointers.

TIA.

Mike

[nmoushon]

Its a bit noisy but you managed to get a lot of detail there! Nicely done. On the site it says you took flats and bias but no darks?

[Mike Hawtin]

Thanks nmoushon, I have stretched it too far but after a while on the pc I start to get a bit punchy and lose objectivity. I only use bias and flats and don't bother with dark frames as I have read that they are not really necessary with sony chips. Perhaps someone with more experience will come along and put me straight (or not).

Mike

[nmoushon]

I use darks but i have a DSLR not a CCD so can't argue with you if you said you heard otherwise about darks. I've heard something similar in regards to the CCD and not having to take darks or bias....cant remember which it was...oh well hopefully some one can fill in the info on that. I don't think you've stretched to far...maybe just a touch too much but not that much. I think anyways. The colors and details or nicely composed. The cores a touch burnt out but thats an easy fix. Not sure how to bring the noise down besides darks...well of course more lights...but other than that not sure what else to do. Again I've got no experience with CCD so hopefully someone else get pipe in with some helpful info cuz I think you've got a great image.

[Gina]

Nice

[Dipper]

Winter's prophet, eh? Orion is getting higher every night.