3 hours of wasted Andromeda :(

[simondodd]

Well, I thought I was going to have a pretty good image of Andromeda until I checked the light frames the today... Looks like I didn't spend enough time getting the focus right!  Might try stacking anyway and see what I come up with but it's not looking promising from this sub... All the others are the same as well

90 Seconds, ISO 800, 130PDS, APT.

I did try some subs using PHD but it seemd to introduce more movement rather than less which I found weird. I'm guessing I just haven't set it up properly...

[Ibbo!]

Stack them - there is some data there you just need to give it a stretch with curves (or levels).

 

I also used Gradient Xterminator on your jpeg. ( I will run your stacked jpeg through GX if you give me a yell)

 

[Thalestris24]

Um, that looks more like tilt than just a focus problem. Also, do you have a coma corrector/reducer? The poor star shapes might be linked to that.

Louise

[simondodd]

The more I look at it, the more I'm thinking it is a collimation issue... I don't have a coma corrector unfortunately. I'll give it a go at stacking and see what Gradient exterminator does for the final image Fingers crossed it wasn't a completely wasted night!

[Thalestris24]

2 minutes ago, simondodd said:

The more I look at it, the more I'm thinking it is a collimation issue... I don't have a coma corrector unfortunately. I'll give it a go at stacking and see what Gradient exterminator does for the final image Fingers crossed it wasn't a completely wasted night!

Could be, but distortion is to one side. It's probably a combination of problems - tilt, collimation, polar alignment... If all your subs are the same then I can't see you rescuing much, I'm afraid. It's always a good idea to take some single stubs of a star field and examine them closely for aberrations before embarking on a long run. Pays to be cautious  Once everything is up and running ok, then you can go on to targets.

All the best!

Louise

[simondodd]

Well I've started the stacking process so will see what turns up... Fingers crossed there is something worthwhile there! All a learning curve though Will get there eventually!

[The-MathMog]

Indeed looks like a combination of, focus, tilt/collimation and of course a lack of coma corrector
But I've had decent results in the past from sub-optimal subs. So go for it and see what it brings

 

[simondodd]

Well after stacking and a bit of processing this is what I have. Not much point in processing it further really apart from for some practice... I guess the stars in the bottom left were so out that DSS decided they weren't there...

[simondodd]

I think my previous best is better than this apart from the camera orientation.

[peter shah]

Not a complete waist, yes the frames are out of focus...but you will always learn something and come away with experience....its all part of the fun