I have had a rough couple months here. Between being sick and crummy weather, I haven't been online or on this site for quite some time now. I finally made it back (YAY!!) and I have to say that there are so many spectacular new pics posted!! I am enjoying them all.
I managed a couple clear nights to image and I have spent my remaining time indoors recovering and working on processing my images(As best I am able anyway....although I think I have improved since my earlier work).
I thought I would post my original shot of the horsehead nebula from November '10 that I put on here and a shot I took at the end of November of this year. A major difference to say the least and I am not sure how much is due to the new scope, the extra time acquired for the shot or to better post processing. A bit of each I suppose.
In any event, I hope you all enjoy these photos. The first shot was taken in 2010 using 6"LXD75and modified Canon350D. 6X5 min. shots combined and processed in Images Plus
The second shot was taken thru a 6"Astrotech Imaging Newt w/ Astrotech coma corrector, 2" Orion LPR filter for photography and modified Canon350D. 12x5 min shots combined. Processed in Images Plus and Photoshop Elements 9.
Still struggling with messed up dec drive so shots were manually guided. I have GOT to get that fixed!
MIke S.
12"LX200GPS, 6" Astrotech Imaging Newtonian, 6" Schmidt Newtonian, 4.7"Astroview, Denkmeier Binoviewer,Modified Canon350D,DSI II monochrome imager(used for guiding), handbuilt observing chair, 12x50 binoculars, 8" homemade dob circa. 1982, and way too many ep's and accessories.
Very nice indeed, Mike!
Dave Mitsky
Sic itur ad astra!
Chance favors the prepared mind.
A man is a small thing, and the night is very large and full of wonders.
Glad you're back Mike, what a difference a year makes.
EASY DUDE, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER WAVE
From San Diego, Zhumell Z10 (Bubba is for all around observing)Telrad, Vixen VMC110L on a Porta Mount II, Bushnell 10x50 (for beach) Garrett 10x50 classics (for Sylvia), Zhumell 80x20 on their Pro tripod(cuz they were cheap and sylvia digs 'em), 1.75 readers (so I can find the other stuff)
That is a terrific image, Mike! A wonderful work indeed!
Jean
Jean B Montreal, Quebec, Canada 130mm Newtonian reflector EQ mount, motor drive, Celestron NexImage planetary webcam and Lumenera CCD camera. Bushnell 15 X 70 binoculars. Digital Nikon D5000 camera. Nikon point and shoot Coolpix. Baader solar film mounted on a cardboard frame.
Thanks Dave, glad you liked the shot.
Mike S.
Thanks tower3. I have to say, I was surprised at how different they were once I went back and took a look at my shot from last year. I spent a lot of time in post processing trying to get the colors and details right.
Thanks Jean. I'm glad you enjoyed the picture!
Welcome home Slick.
That image is great, there's absolutely no comparison re your original.
Love it,
Rhonda.
SkyQuest XX14i..Tasco Luminova 40-114675.. Meade My Sky Guide..Strathspey 25x100mm..Pentax 20x60..Celestron 15x70 Bushnell 10x50..Strathspey 10x50..Bushnell 8x42..Yashica 6x30..Exp.Scientific Eyepieces 9mm.14mm.20mm..Orion10mm.35m Sirius Plossl 4mm. 25mm.. Televue Big Barlow.. Hotech Laser Collimator
Amazing work is becoming "normal" for you, Mike. You have a real talent.
---Poppa Chris---
"Second star to the right - Then straight on until morning!" - Peter Pan
Celestron CPC1100GPS (XLT) - 279mm aperature, 2800mm Focal length. (f10) Celestron Ultima LX (70deg AFOV) Eyepieces 32mm thru 5mm, Canon EOS Rebel T2i DSLR, Backyard EOS imaging software, Orion Star Shoot Planetary Imager IV, Celestron Skymaster 15x70 binoculars
Extraordinary photo, Mike. Absolutely beautiful!
-Ed
Keep on Gazing! (33N X 112W Phoenix, AZ - Clear Sky Chart)
Thanks Rhonda. As I was looking at the two shots again just now, I realised that the new shot seems so much more "lively" I guess I would say. I never really noticed how dull and kind of dead looking the first shot was till now.
Thanks so much Poppa Chris. I can say I have at least 20 versions of this saved on my computer. Trying to get the colors right and the details to come out is just mind numbing. Some of the versions are subtly different and some were vastly different(ie...bad). At some point I had to pick what I felt was the best version.....I feel I picked right although someone else might have picked a slightly different photo to put up here.
In any event, I am happy to see that it is enjoyed by everyone.
Thanks Ed. I have to say I'm jealous of you though....living in a part of the country with such dark skies must be awesome. I spend November through March under total cloud cover or so cold I find the idea of going out daunting. I guess I don't make a great astronomer if I can't even handle 0 degree weather.
You know, this is one of my resolutions for the new year! By the end of the year I will have and image of the Horse Head done with my equipment! I can only HOPE that it will come out HALF as great as these! Fantastic work!
Celestron 8 SCT F/10 to 7.5 to 6.3-C-GEM Mount-Starizona Power Pack II+-Bahatinov Focus Mask-Canon Rebel XS 1000D 10.1 MP-Nexguide Auto Guider-Orion Short Tube 80mm Guide Scope- Baader Planetarium UHC-S/L-Booster visual/photographic 2"-Capture Software Backyard EOS-Deep Sky Stacker-Adobe Photoshop/Registax 6 for post work
Thanks so much for those comments Ray. Judging by what you have already posted though, I think that is one resolution that will be kept and I imagine that your picture will do better than that by far!
Mike S