M42 and M43

[GraemeH]

This was a very quick session (only 7 x 300") to test out my new autofocuser (built according to the ULN2003/28BYJ-48 version of the design by @brown_rb).  I think I probably rushed into imaging before ensuring the focuser was working properly - the motor was turning smoothly indoors after mounting it but seemed to struggle a bit when focusing for real in APT.  Thought I'd share my first effort from it anyway.

Thanks for looking,

Graeme

[MarsG76]

Nice image.. good framing...

 

[Knighty2112]

Very nice image. Like the colours!  

[Grumpy_Git]

That has some stunning wispy detail.

[GraemeH]

Thanks for the kind comments. I also took some shorter exposures so I'll be attempting to make a composite to tame the core assuming I'm able to follow the relevant tutorials for doing it in Photoshop. I may be back here asking for some tips from the experts over the coming days. 

[GraemeH]

This is my attempt at a composite image from 4 different exposure lengths and layer masking to try to pull out a bit more of the wispy nebulosity without blowing out the trapezium too much.  I haven't been able to remove the obvious gradient - everything I tried either removed too much colour or increased the background noise.

Full details:

Edge HD8, Canon 6D unmodded, 6x300", 6x120", 5x60", 5x30", all at ISO 800, all through Baader UHC-S filter, Nexstar Evolution mount on wedge, QHY5Lii-c on Celestron OAG guided by PHD2 2.6.4dev8, captured in APT 3.50, stacked in DSS 3.3.4, processed in Photoshop CC 2018.

[Rush]

Colours r very nice .There s much more unrevealed details in it i guess.

Cs

Rush