A Bit of the Veil Nebula

[Stub Mandrel]

This is another one from the 5/6 July. Clearly the 150PL isn't the best scope for this target, unless I make a VERY big mosaic, but useful learning - I need a shorter FL and longer subs for this target (anyone giving away a 130PDS?)

I completely failed to get this with my 10D, but the modded 450D also being 16-bit seems to give it a huge advantage in picking up fainter objects. I was very surprised how clearly this came out considering how 'undark' the sky was - sagitta was barely visible to the naked eye with averted vision so for that part of the sky the NELM was close to 4.3 with a combination of lack of astronomical twighlight and LP.

[xtreemchaos]

nice one Neil, you have caught some lovely detail, you will have to catch the rest and do a mosaic. thanks  charl.

[Stub Mandrel]

Thanks Charl, I doubt I'll get enough nights! Most of it will fit in my 400mm lens, plus it tracks better because its lighter so I'll try and get the whole thing with that.

[Tzitzis]

How do you get such rich starfields? I'm just sitting in awe... Such a rich starfield! Seems like I'm chilling by the veil!

[Stub Mandrel]

55 minutes ago, Tzitzis said:

How do you get such rich starfields? I'm just sitting in awe... Such a rich starfield! Seems like I'm chilling by the veil!

No secret, it just lies along the Milky Way. I didn't try and make the background too black - because unresolved stars fill the background with faint light, except for a few threads of dark nebulosity.

What amazes me is the difference between that shot and one taken away from the plane of the MW.

It seems this part of the Veil is known as the 'Witches Broom'.

[Tzitzis]

It's such a lively image (if I'm saying it in the correct manner  ). It looks so real, if you catch my drift... I love it!

[Stub Mandrel]

Thanks, most of my pictures from that session are pretty much the best I have done so far, practice makes perfect with both the taking and the processing. I can't wait for an opportunity to get some really dark skies in a month or two.