M81/2

[libraryman]

Took this image over the last few nights, lots of light pollution, can anyone tell me if iv'e captured enough detail, the subs are 300sec about 30 of them processed in deep sky stacker, about 20 darks and 10 flats,canon 350d

i dont know how to draw out the detail if it's there, it's only my 3rd imaging attempt.

Ray

[rocketandroll]

I'm not the one to do it but there's definitely loads of data there... I have a feeling that'll be a cracking image once processed!

Well done!!

Ben

[shaunster]

Theres some good detail in there, I had a quick play and came up with this but im far from an expert

It would work better on the original tiff

[Bizibilder]

I had a little play in PS (hope you don't mind) - could be much better from the original out of DSS.

SNAP!!!

[skywatcher1701]

hope you don't mind but had a little plat with your image in cs3, let me know what you think?

[libraryman]

Thanks guys, i knew more could be dragged from it and quickly too judging by the quick replies.

i'm still a bit dissapointed though, there's a lot of time in this image; with lights darks and flats.

am i expecting too much with my humble 200mm f/4.3 reflector?

is this scope suited to the spring galaxies, i have my f/9 vixen 102fl

that i dont use imaging wise, could this be a better choice?

Ray:icon_scratch:

[shaunster]

I think its more light pollution holding the image back over anything else

[libraryman]

Just a little clarification..i'm not dissapointed with your efforts guy's, you have drawn more out than i have.

but it's hours of work and i wondered if the light pollution has robbed me of detail, would a filter help??

ray

[Bizibilder]

Might be worth taking a LOT more shorter subs - say 120 sec and trying them. You need to get the signal/light pollution ratio under control rather than signal/noise!!! Certainly a light pollution filter will help - you may have to find the "right" one for your particular pollution - most astro shops will oblige and will let you return a no-gooder if you ask them.

[libraryman]

Cheers guy's i'll try the shorter subs, the pollution is comming from a level crossing about 100yd's away yellow sodium i think.

the advise is very appreiciated and i'll take it on board.

Just another question..what are the (i'll call them artifacts) curves sweeps in the image?

Ray

[RikM]

My Skywatcher LPR filter copes quite well on yellow sodium lamps. Lots of people swear by the astronomic CLS but it is quite a bit more expensive.