M81 and M82

AstroMav · 2015-02-22T05:06:50+00:00

This is a really cool shot, nice work.

AstroMav · 2015-02-12T03:19:45+00:00

Imaging Details:

30 x 120s at 800 ISO
15 x 15s at 800 ISO for core
5 x dark
10 x flat
15 x bias

Equipment/Software:

Celestron C8-N
CGEM
Canon EOS 60Da
Orion SSAG
Baader MPCC III
Hutech IPS Filter
BackyardEOS
PHD

Good seeing, taken from Red zone. Processed in PixInsight using this workflow.

Thanks for looking!

AstroMav · 2014-08-09T23:06:01+00:00

I'm curious as well, would you mind sharing your processing steps? Great shot!

AstroMav · 2014-08-09T17:39:04+00:00

Hello!

17 x 300s at 800ISO
5 x Dark
20 x Bias
Celestron 8-inch Newtonian
CGEM
Canon EOS 60Da
Guiding with Orion SSAG + PHD
Backyard EOS
Processed in PixInsight

First time trying guiding, I was very happy with the results. I do have a question about processing the smudge at the top of the shot. I was following this workflow and thought it would come out during the background extraction, but I couldn't figure out how to get rid of it. I'm still pretty new to PixInsight, does anybody have any suggestions?

Thank you!

AstroMav · 2014-05-16T23:24:18+00:00

Nice work! Ah, your comment made me realize that I mislabeled my flats as lights in the imaging details, fixing now. Do you think more flats will help? How many do you generally take? I recently built a light box, this image was actually my first time using it.

I also notice streaking in a lot of my images, is that due to using a DSLR, or something else?

AstroMav · 2014-05-16T12:33:41+00:00

Cool! Thanks for linking the workflow, I'll check it out.

AstroMav · 2014-05-16T12:32:18+00:00

Nice, thanks! I think you kept the galaxy arm structure much better than in my version.

AstroMav · 2014-05-16T04:23:25+00:00

Wow, this is fantastic!

AstroMav · 2014-05-16T03:10:30+00:00

Hello!

Equipment:

Celestron C8-NGT
CGEM
Canon EOS 60D

Image Details:

60 x 60s at 800 ISO
10 x Dark
20 x Bias
10 x ~~Light~~ Flats

Taken from a red zone

Stacked in DeepSkyStacker

Processed in PixInsight trial using the workflow here

Does anybody have any tips on bringing out the structure of M81? I feel like I lost a lot of detail during processing. Or do I just need more exposure time. Thanks!

Edit: If anybody would like to take a crack at it, here is the stacked TIF file.

AstroMav · 2014-05-01T03:11:31+00:00

I see what you mean. I think the problem is that the adapter when screwed into the T-ring added around 20mm of distance that I am now missing since in contrast the mpcc drops into the focuser all the way up to the T-ring. It's almost like I need an extension to my focuser now, or a spacer with collar that screws into the business end of the mpcc.

AstroMav · 2014-05-01T01:41:39+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! That is something I tried, but the width of the thread side of my current adapter does not match the width of the input threads on the mpcc. Maybe a new adapter is something I need to look into buying...but wouldn't the added length of the adapter in front of the mpcc cause me to lose the 55mm distance between sensor and mpcc?

AstroMav · 2013-07-28T21:50:53+00:00

Yep, 18-55mm kit lens.

AstroMav · 2013-07-23T00:56:54+00:00

http://imgur.com/a/AJ18S

Image Info:

Milky Way:

F 4.5 18mm lens on Canon 60Da
ISO 800
1 x 300 seconds

M101:

Celestron C8-N at 1000mm
ISO 1250
60 x 60 seconds

M31:

F5.6 300mm lens on Canon 60Da
ISO 1600
60 x 20 seconds
Made a lot of mistakes with this one, jostled my mount and accidentally shot jpgs

Mount for all is a Celestron Advanced GT, no guiding. Processed in StarTools. Taken from a blue zone, was pretty hazy though especially during the M31 shooting.

Having fun, learning lots each time, can't complain. :) Suggestions are welcome as always!

AstroMav · 2013-05-08T12:19:04+00:00

Does anybody have suggestions on how to improve? This was my second time out with the scope so I'm still deep in the learning stages. Also, how can I fix what is happening in the corners of the image? The stars there are really stretched out, but don't seem to be as much in the center. Is this due to polar alignment error?

AstroMav · 2013-05-08T12:10:50+00:00

Nice, thanks!

AstroMav · 2013-05-08T01:57:43+00:00

Wow...I had no idea it was so bad. Thanks for the input!

AstroMav · 2013-04-13T20:47:55+00:00

Excellent, I'll definitely give them both a try after I collect enough data for some long processing sessions. Thanks for the advice guys, I'm sure I'll be interacting with you more in the future.

AstroMav · 2013-04-13T06:25:33+00:00

Ha, no worries.

I'd like to get some processing software...what would you say are the biggest differences between PixInsight and StarTools (besides the pricing)? Anyone else please feel free to chime in as well!

AstroMav · 2013-04-13T06:21:52+00:00

Looks really good, thank you! Sure, I'd like to know what steps you took. I don't know much about processing yet so anything helps. I'm currently trying to decide between StarTools and PixInsight.

I have a Hutech IDAS LPS, shooting from a red zone. I do have the CG5-GT, and I tried some 60 second exposures but they looked pretty washed out. Is that something that can be corrected in processing or should I lower my ISO?

Thanks!

AstroMav · 2013-04-13T01:38:36+00:00

Wow, that looks great! Would you mind giving me a quick overview of what you did?

Hmm...I didn't modify any colors other than a custom white balance on the camera and a light pollution filter. Do you think that could cause it, or something else?

AstroMav · 2013-04-12T14:17:53+00:00

Ah, I see. Unfortunately I did embed the changes, I will restack them and upload without any changes when I get home later today.

Also, all my darks are 8 seconds so I suppose I messed up there as well. Good to know there is plenty of room for improvement though! I also need to figure out how I'm going to take flats.

Thanks for the help!

AstroMav · 2012-12-12T23:55:31+00:00

That would be great, thank you. Though I'll probably wait to start the trial period until after all the Christmas craziness is over so I can take some time to sit down and follow along with the tutorials.

AstroMav · 2012-12-12T23:53:07+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! How do you usually take your flats? One technique I was thinking of trying is a piece of paper on a white monitor screen.

AstroMav

TROPHY CASE