Western Veil Nebula & Whirlpool Galaxy

[Snoani]

Good evening all

 

This is only my second post on these forums. 

 

Following the arrival of my first scope (a humble achromatic) I have taken advantage of a number of clear nights in the last 8 days to capture M51 and NGC 6960.  After a couple of tests that I posted last month, these are my first proper attempts at guiding with a complete setup.  

 

M51:  123 minutes calibrated with 15 darks, flats and bias frames.  Captured using a Skywatcher Startravel 120, Canon 1300D (modified), HEQ5 and guided using a  ZWO 120mm attached to a ZWO 30F4 guidescope.  

I am reasonably happy with the image, although it is a touch out of focus.  CA has edited out well without effecting the subject, however, I haven't yet managed to work out whether there is addition colour that can be drawn out or whether this is limited by the data.

 

NGC 6960:  180 minutes calibrated with 15 darks, flats and bias frames.  Captured using a Skywatcher Startravel 120, Canon 1300D (modified), HEQ5 and guided using a  ZWO 120mm attached to a ZWO 30F4 guidescope. 

Captured over two nights and I nailed the focus.  I am generally very happy with the details captured but I am struggling with the processing.  I have spent a couple of hours attempting to tease out the detail of the nebula without exposing the stars too much, which as you can see I have not yet managed to do.  It has resulted in a very busy image that detracts for the nebula itself.  

My conclusion is that I have a lot to learn, particularly processing of images, but that is all part of the fun.  

I look forward to the new moon next month, with hopefully some clear skies to attempt the Eagle nebula (which I had planned to target this time around but it was behind a tree).  

 

[MarkAR]

A very good start and yes, it's a steep learning curve.

The nebulosity in the Veil looks good, just needs some star reduction I think.

[Snoani]

Thank you for your response.  I gave the Veil Nebula a second process this evening.  I have no doubt that it can still be processed better, but it is a massive improvement on my first attempt above. 

 

Edited June 25, 2020 by Snoani

[Snoani]

Just reprocessed M51 also and again I think it is improved.  The learning curve is steep and long but I have started the journey.

[MarkAR]

Big improvement.