" what I call the Cali neb! "

[simmo39]

Thats because the fornia is missing!

Part 1.

When I saw that it was clear on Sunday night i did a panic set up. With no plan of action and my fingers frezing I had a quick look at the targets on this site and found that the California Neb look nice  (Very scientific I know ). With the target sorted, I slewed the scope and did a quick high ISO test. Had a quick look and saw some red and thought that was it, set my syn guider up ( I can here the sharp intake of breath from hear when I mention syn guider! lol ) and as temp was getting to cold for me I just let the camera go on and came inside to watch the box. After a couple of hours frost was forming so stopped the camera and dragged the kit back in. 

Part 2.

Monday night, thought I would have a look at my masterpiece! well boy had I got it wrong. Badly framed and only half a Neb! I didnt realise quite how big it was! anyhow to the crux of the matter.

21 x 6 mins at iso 800 taken with my 600D though my SW 130 pds. Still having problems controlling star size and colours but it is what it is.

Hints and tips welcome.

[MARS1960]

Very nice, i feel a mosaic coming on .

[simmo39]

1 minute ago, MARS1960 said:

Very nice, i feel a mosaic coming on .

Dont think i can manage that yet but its a thought. Once I have cracked star control i might have a go.

[MARS1960]

Just now, simmo39 said:

Dont think i can manage that yet but its a thought. Once I have cracked star control i might have a go.

Do you use PI? i just followed a dead simple method for doing exactly that.

[simmo39]

1 minute ago, MARS1960 said:

Do you use PI? i just followed a dead simple method for doing exactly that.

Yep i do, I will have to look into it, the only thing I need though at the moment is some clear weather to get the other half! lol

[MARS1960]

Just now, simmo39 said:

Yep i do, I will have to look into it, the only thing I need though at the moment is some clear weather to get the other half! lol

Lol, tell me about, this week is looking miserable.

Here's what i just used on one of my old autosaves.

http://www.lightvortexastronomy.com/tutorial-reducing-star-sizes.html

[MikeODay]

Very nice image - I love the colour.

I liked your story too; for some reason it made me smile.