first attempt at globular clusters

[gonzostar]

Hi

This is my first ever attempt at a globular cluster (M3)

Just  3*2mins, with darks flats etc, stacked in DSS and "processed" using gimp

I am using a 8"SCT on AVX  mount unguided, and a 450d DSLR camera with a CLS filter

Possibly need to have more light frames, but how do you get the core without over exposure?

 

Thankyou Dean

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Very nice for an unguided shot at that focal length

[gonzostar]

I forgot to mention i used a focal reducer (6.3) and a iso of 800. Should the iso be lower?

[MattJenko]

More exposures will start to tease the core detail out when stacked. Longer exposures will just tend to saturate the core completely and will not get you what you want.

[gonzostar]

Cool. Will try shorter exposures, What iso would you use?

[MattJenko]

I tend to keep the ISO lowish, so 400 or 800 on my 450d. Others have good results with higher, but I find the noise a little much for me higher than 800. Its a bit of a balance to get enough signal without saturating the core, managing any light pollution, getting too much noise and above all, tracking, so experiment with various ISOs at 2 min exposures and see what works best. Once you choose one, get as many as you can!

[gonzostar]

Will try again later in week, or possible wait for m13? 

With AP  I suppose its a loy of trial and error and influnces on the night and local area