Caldwell C65 - NGC253 - Sculptor, Silver Coin, Silver Dollar Galaxy - 30/10/2016 (Processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Having been largely inactive for a year, I chose a well known object to revisit. Also see uncropped version.
Telescope - PowerNewt 200mm f/4 with PowerNewt(ASA) f/2.84 Reducer/Coma Corrector, No filter, Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR field 90' x 134' , Ambient 11C. EQMOD EQASCOM with Ascom 6 for mount control. Backyard EOS Pro 3.1.8 for Image acquisition. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Starlight Xpress SuperStar (Mono) CCD Auto Guider and Stark Labs PHD auto guiding software.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (11) of 14 Images ISO 800 @ 180 Sec, 26 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 20 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015CaldwellC65 Sculptor Silver Coin Silver Dollar GalaxyNGCNGC253 C65 Sculptor Silver Coin Silver Dollar GalaxyGalaxy
Caldwell C65 - NGC253 - Sculptor, Silver Coin, Silver Dollar Galaxy - 30/10/2016 (Processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Having been largely inactive for a year, I chose a well known object to revisit. Also see cropped version.
Telescope - PowerNewt 200mm f/4 with PowerNewt(ASA) f/2.84 Reducer/Coma Corrector, No filter, Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR field 90' x 134' , Ambient 11C. EQMOD EQASCOM with Ascom 6 for mount control. Backyard EOS Pro 3.1.8 for Image acquisition. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Starlight Xpress SuperStar (Mono) CCD Auto Guider and Stark Labs PHD auto guiding software.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (11) of 14 Images ISO 800 @ 180 Sec, 26 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 20 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015CaldwellC65 Sculptor Silver Coin Silver Dollar GalaxyNGCNGC253 C65 Sculptor Silver Coin Silver Dollar GalaxyGalaxy
The Emu at The South Pole - 21/5/2015 (Processed stills to video)
The head and body of the 'Emu in the Sky' rotating around the South Celestial Pole at Lake Ballard. Another test of the my Canon 60D.
Unfortunately the clouds closed in, so didn't get much imaging done after the long 800km drive to get there!
Also see Star Trails created from the same sequence.
M83 NGC5236 Southern Pinwheel Galaxy - 3/2/2017 (Processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
A barred spiral galaxy seen almost face-on, in the constellation Hydra. Distinct spiral arms can be seen with a moderate to large telescope. It has a reasonably bright nucleus. Its diameter is about 1/3 of the Full Moon. M83 has a very large number of star forming regions throughout its spiral arms. Six supernovae have been observed in M83 since 1923. See also cropped version.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (18) of 23 Images ISO 800 @ 240 Sec, 47 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2016
Telescope - PowerNewt 200mm f/4 with Baader MPCC Coma Corrector, No filter, Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR field 64' x 95', Ambient 19-18C. EQMOD EQASCOM with Ascom 6 for mount control. Backyard EOS Pro 3.1.8 for Image acquisition. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Starlight Xpress SuperStar (Mono) CCD Auto Guider and Stark Labs PHD auto guiding software.GalaxyMessierM83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyNGCNGC5236 M83 Southern Pinwheel Galaxy
From 2017 Refocusing
M83 NGC5236 Southern Pinwheel Galaxy - 3/2/2017 (Processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
A barred spiral galaxy seen almost face-on, in the constellation Hydra. Distinct spiral arms can be seen with a moderate to large telescope. It has a reasonably bright nucleus. Its diameter is about 1/3 of the Full Moon. M83 has a very large number of star forming regions throughout its spiral arms. Six supernovae have been observed in M83 since 1923. See also cropped version.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (18) of 23 Images ISO 800 @ 240 Sec, 47 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2016
Telescope - PowerNewt 200mm f/4 with Baader MPCC Coma Corrector, No filter, Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR field 64' x 95', Ambient 19-18C. EQMOD EQASCOM with Ascom 6 for mount control. Backyard EOS Pro 3.1.8 for Image acquisition. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Starlight Xpress SuperStar (Mono) CCD Auto Guider and Stark Labs PHD auto guiding software.GalaxyMessierM83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyNGCNGC5236 M83 Southern Pinwheel Galaxy
From 2017 Refocusing
Messier M89 - NGC4552 and Messier M90 - NGC4569 - Galaxies in Virgo - 24/5/2012 (Processed cropped stack)
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 85% of 10 Images ISO 800 90 Sec, 32 DARK (60Sec ... had none at 90Sec), 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5
Telescope - Bintel BT200 f/4.0 Newtonian (borrowed from Stephen Boyd) with Baader MPCC Coma Corrector, Hutech LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 8C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.MessierM89 Elliptical Galaxy in VirgoNGCNGC4552 M89 Elliptical Galaxy in VirgoM90 Spiral Galaxy in VirgoNGC4569 M90 Spiral Galaxy in VirgoGalaxy
Messier M89 - NGC4552 and Messier M90 - NGC4569 - Galaxies in Virgo - 24/5/2012 (Processed stack)
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 85% of 10 Images ISO 800 90 Sec, 32 DARK (60Sec ... had none at 90Sec), 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5
Telescope - Bintel BT200 f/4.0 Newtonian (borrowed from Stephen Boyd) with Baader MPCC Coma Corrector, Hutech LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 8C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.MessierM89 Elliptical Galaxy in VirgoNGCNGC4552 M89 Elliptical Galaxy in VirgoM90 Spiral Galaxy in VirgoNGC4569 M90 Spiral Galaxy in VirgoGalaxy
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 6/2/2016 (Processed stack)
Image taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
Looking southeast, this stack is centred on the southern Milky way with the Magellanic clouds to the right. The modified 70D picked out Eta Carina region quite well in comparison to the earlier 60D shots.
This was my full stack and so shows excessive landscape blur.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (65) of 81 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 98 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 16 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens at 11mm with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 68 x 90 Deg, Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 6/2/2016 (Processed stack)
Image taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
Looking southeast, this stack is centred on the southern Milky way with the Magellanic clouds to the right. The modified 70D picked out Eta Carina region quite well in comparison to the earlier 60D shots.
This is a short stack and so shows only a little landscape blur.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 100% (12) of 12 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 98 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 16 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens at 11mm with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 68 x 90 Deg, Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 6/2/2016 (Processed stack)
Image taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
Looking south, this stack is centred on the south pole with the Milky way to the left and the Magellanic clouds to the right. The modified 70D picked out Eta Carina region quite well in comparison to the earlier 60D shots, but the south western sky glow is very prominent.
This was my full stack and so shows excessive landscape blur.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (89) of 112 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 98 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 16 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens at 11mm with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 68 x 90 Deg, Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 6/2/2016 (Processed stack into video)
Images taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
I did four sequences of the southern Milky Way with landscape elements intended for a video sequence and also for a subset to be used for short still image stacks. All are woven into this video sequqnce.
Created in Microsoft Movie Maker
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 50 x 70 Deg , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 6/2/2016 (Processed stack)
Image taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
Looking south, this stack is centred on the south pole with the Milky way to the left and the Magellanic clouds to the right. The modified 70D picked out Eta Carina region quite well in comparison to the earlier 60D shots, but the south western sky glow is very prominent.
This is a short stack and so shows only a little landscape blur.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 100% (12) of 12 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 98 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 16 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens at 11mm with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 68 x 90 Deg, Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 6/2/2016 (Processed stack)
Image taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
Looking east-southeast, this stack is centred on the southern Milky way. The modified 70D picked out Eta Carina region quite well in comparison to the earlier 60D shots.
This was my full stack and so shows excessive landscape blur.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 75% (60) of 76 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 98 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post processed with Adobe Phtoshop CC 2015
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 50 x 70 Deg , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Caldwell 103 - NGC2070 - 30 Doradus - Tarantula Nebula in a wide field shot of its home The Large Magellanic Cloud
Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Tele Vue 0.8x Reducer/Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 40D DSLR field 132' x 199' , Ambient 20C. EQMOD EQASCOM with Ascom 6 for mount control. Backyard EOS 2.09 for Image acquisition. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Starlight Xpress SuperSTar (Mono) CCD Auto Guider and Stark Labs PHD auto guiding software.
CaldwellC103 30 Doradus Tarantula NebulaGalactic NebulaGalaxyLarge Magellanic CloudNGCNGC2070 C103 30 Doradus Tarantula NebulaWorth100031Day Oct 2013
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 6/2/2016 (Processed stack)
Image taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
Looking east-southeast, this stack is centred on the southern Milky way. The modified 70D picked out Eta Carina region quite well in comparison to the earlier 60D shots.
This is a short stack and so shows only a little landscape blur.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 100% (12) of 12 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 98 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 50 x 70 Deg , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Southern Cross amongst the Trees - 6/2/2016 (Processed stack)
Image taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
Looking east-southeast, and framed amongst trees, this stack is centred on the southern Milky way. The modified 70D picked out Eta Carina region quite well in comparison to the earlier 60D shots. There is also less low sky light pollution, so this is the best of the sequence for the evening.
This was my full stack and so shows excessive landscape blur.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 90% (55) of 69 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 98 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 50 x 70 Deg , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 6/2/2016 (Processed cropped stack)
Image taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
Looking east-southeast, and framed amongst trees, this stack is centred on the southern Milky way. The modified 70D picked out Eta Carina region quite well in comparison to the earlier 60D shots. There is also less low sky light pollution, so this is the best of the sequence for the evening.
This is a short stack and so shows only a little landscape blur. See also uncropped version.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 100% (12) of 12 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 98 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 50 x 70 Deg , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 6/2/2016 (Processed stack)
Image taken at Perth Observatory's semi-dark skies.
Having done a quick test of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount 3 days earlier using my unmodified Canon 60D, I was keen to try using my baader modified Canon 70D.
Looking east-southeast, and framed amongst trees, this stack is centred on the southern Milky way. The modified 70D picked out Eta Carina region quite well in comparison to the earlier 60D shots. There is also less low sky light pollution, so this is the best of the sequence for the evening.
This is a short stack and so shows only a little landscape blur. See also cropped version.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 100% (12) of 12 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 98 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 70D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field 50 x 70 Deg , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Tucana and Hydrus with the Small Magellanic cloud and 47 Tucanae - 21/10/2016 (Processed stack)
Having been distracted by travel and Perth Observatory Volunteer group activities March through August, I was needing to check my gear and so did so from my suburban light pit. The resulting image lack definition as expected however the gear and processing are working. Also see Uncropped version.
Canon 70D with EF 50mm f/1.8 lens at f/3.5. Ambient temp ~12C on Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount and tripod.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (24) of 31 Images ISO 800 @ 15 Sec, 32 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 16 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015CaldwellC106 NGC104 47 TucanaeConstellationHydrusTucanaGalaxyGlobular ClusterNGCNGC104 Caldwell 106 47 TucanaeSMCSmall Magellanic Cloud
Tucana and Hydrus with the Small Magellanic cloud and 47 Tucanae - 21/10/2016 (Processed stack)
Having been distracted by travel and Perth Observatory Volunteer group activities March through August, I was needing to check my gear and so did so from my suburban light pit. The resulting image lack definition as expected however the gear and processing are working. Also see Cropped version.
Canon 70D with EF 50mm f/1.8 lens at f/3.5. Ambient temp ~12C on Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount and tripod.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (24) of 31 Images ISO 800 @ 15 Sec, 32 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 16 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015CaldwellC106 NGC104 47 TucanaeConstellationHydrusTucanaGalaxyGlobular ClusterNGCNGC104 Caldwell 106 47 TucanaeSMCSmall Magellanic Cloud
Tucana and Hydrus with the Small Magellanic cloud and 47 Tucanae - 22/10/2016 (Processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~18C. Canon 50mm EF f/1.8 lens at f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (24) of 30 Images ISO 800 @ 30 Sec, 89 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationHydrusTucanaGalaxySMCSmall Magellanic CloudGlobular ClusterNGCNGC104 Caldwell 106 47 TucanaeCaldwellC106 NGC104 47 TucanaeTrailSatellite
Tucana and Hydrus with the Small Magellanic cloud and 47 Tucanae - 22/10/2016 (Processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~18C. Canon 50mm EF f/1.8 lens at f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (24) of 30 Images ISO 800 @ 30 Sec, 89 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationHydrusTucanaGalaxySMCSmall Magellanic CloudGlobular ClusterNGCNGC104 Caldwell 106 47 TucanaeCaldwellC106 NGC104 47 TucanaeTrailSatellite
Tucana and Hydrus with the Small Magellanic cloud and 47 Tucanae - 22/10/2016 (Processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~18C. Canon 18-200mm EF-S IS f/3.5-5.6 lens at 100mm f/5.6 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (8) of 11 Images ISO 3200 @ 30 Sec, 89 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 18 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationHydrusTucanaGalaxySMCSmall Magellanic CloudGlobular ClusterNGCNGC104 Caldwell 106 47 TucanaeCaldwellC106 NGC104 47 Tucanae
Tucana and Hydrus with the Small Magellanic cloud and 47 Tucanae - 22/10/2016 (Processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~18C. Canon 18-200mm EF-S IS f/3.5-5.6 lens at 100mm f/5.6 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (8) of 11 Images ISO 3200 @ 30 Sec, 89 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 18 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationHydrusTucanaGalaxySMCSmall Magellanic CloudGlobular ClusterNGCNGC104 Caldwell 106 47 TucanaeCaldwellC106 NGC104 47 Tucanae
First Star Adventurer test - Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 3/2/2016 (Processed stack into video)
The first test for my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount. Almost without reading the manual and a visual N/S alignment this shows that it track pretty well. Quite a bit of red light in the lower sky.
Created in Microsoft Movie Maker
Canon 60D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens at 16mm with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field ~50' x 70' , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.ConstellationCruxCentaurusCarinaGalaxyMilky WayEquipmentMountSkywatcher Star Adventurer
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 3/2/2016 (Processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory
The first test for my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount. Almost without reading the manual and a visual N/S alignment this shows that it track pretty well. Quite a bit of red light in the lower sky. See also uncropped version. Also see reprocessed versions with darks added.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 85% (22) of 26 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 0 DARK @ 120 Sec, 16 BIAS, 16 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 60D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field ~50'x 70 degrees , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 3/2/2016 (Processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory
The first test for my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount. Almost without reading the manual and a visual N/S alignment this shows that it track pretty well. Quite a bit of red light in the lower sky. See also cropped version. Also see reprocessed versions with darks added.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 85% (22) of 26 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 0 DARK @ 120 Sec, 16 BIAS, 16 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
Canon 60D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field ~50'x 70 degrees , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 3/2/2016 (Re-processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory
The first test for my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount. Almost without reading the manual and a visual N/S alignment this shows that it track pretty well. Quite a bit of red light in the lower sky. See also uncropped version. Also see first processed versions without darks included.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 85% (22) of 26 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 16 DARK @ 15 Sec, 16 BIAS, 16 FLATS
Canon 60D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens at 16mm with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field ~50' x 70' , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Milky Way around the Southern Cross - 3/2/2016 (Re-processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory
The first test for my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer DSLR mount. Almost without reading the manual and a visual N/S alignment this shows that it track pretty well. Quite a bit of red light in the lower sky. See also cropped version. Also see first processed versions without darks included.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 85% (22) of 26 Images ISO 3200 @ 25 Sec, 16 DARK @ 15 Sec, 16 BIAS, 16 FLATS
Canon 60D with Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX II 11-16mm F/2.8 lens at 16mm with Hoya NXT MHC UV filter, field ~50' x 70' , Ambient ~18C.
Skywatcher Star Adventurer mount, sidereal tracking rate on Inca camera tripod with a quick visual polar align.
Dorado with the Large Magellanic cloud containing the Tarantula Nebula - 22/10/2016 (Processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~18C. Canon 50mm EF f/1.8 lens at f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (36) of 45 Images ISO 800 @ 30 Sec, 89 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationDoradoGalaxyLMCLarge Magellanic CloudGalactic NebulaNGCNGC2070 Caldwell 103 30 Doradus Tarantula NebulaCaldwellC103 NGC2070 30 Doradus Tarantula Nebula
Dorado with the Large Magellanic cloud containing the Tarantula Nebula - 22/10/2016 (Processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~18C. Canon 50mm EF f/1.8 lens at f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (36) of 45 Images ISO 800 @ 30 Sec, 89 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationDoradoGalaxyLMCLarge Magellanic CloudGalactic NebulaNGCNGC2070 Caldwell 103 30 Doradus Tarantula NebulaCaldwellC103 NGC2070 30 Doradus Tarantula Nebula
Dorado with the Large Magellanic cloud containing the Tarantula Nebula - 22/10/2016 (Re-processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~18C. Canon 50mm EF f/1.8 lens at f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (36) of 45 Images ISO 800 @ 30 Sec, 89 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationDoradoGalaxyLMCLarge Magellanic CloudGalactic NebulaNGCNGC2070 Caldwell 103 30 Doradus Tarantula NebulaCaldwellC103 NGC2070 30 Doradus Tarantula Nebula
Dorado with the Large Magellanic cloud containing the Tarantula Nebula
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~18C. Canon 50mm EF f/1.8 lens at f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (36) of 45 Images ISO 800 @ 30 Sec, 89 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationDoradoGalaxyLMCLarge Magellanic CloudGalactic NebulaNGCNGC2070 Caldwell 103 30 Doradus Tarantula NebulaCaldwellC103 NGC2070 30 Doradus Tarantula Nebula
Andromeda and M31 Galaxy - 22/10/2016 (Processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Andromeda is low in the North to Perth and the great Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is never more than 15 degrees above the horizon. I thought it worth a shot whilst at Perth Observatory semi-dark site. It just clears the trees. See also uncropped version.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~17C. Canon 50mm EF f/1.8 lens at f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (64) of 83 Images ISO 800 @ 30 Sec, 47 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationAndromedaGalaxyMessierM31 NGC224 Andromeda GalaxyNGCNGC224 M31 Andromeda Galaxy
Andromeda and M31 Galaxy - 22/10/2016 (Processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Andromeda is low in the North to Perth and the great Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is never more than 15 degrees above the horizon. I thought it worth a shot whilst at Perth Observatory semi-dark site. It just clears the trees. See also cropped version.
Baader BCF modified Canon 70D DSLR, Ambient ~17C. Canon 50mm EF f/1.8 lens at f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (64) of 83 Images ISO 800 @ 30 Sec, 47 DARK @ 120 Sec, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationAndromedaGalaxyMessierM31 NGC224 Andromeda GalaxyNGCNGC224 M31 Andromeda Galaxy
Large and Small Magellanic Clouds - 30/10/2014 (Processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Noticeable lens flare at the edges and a strong red gradient due to city light in the west and southwest largely cropped out. See also uncropped version.
Canon 60D DSLR, Ambient ~12C. Canon IS 18-200mm EF-S f/3.5-f/5.6 lens at 18mm f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (248) of 310 Images ISO 1600 @ 30 Sec at ~12C, 32 DARK @ 120 Sec @~18C, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationHydrusTucanaGalaxySMCSmall Magellanic CloudGlobular ClusterNGCNGC104 Caldwell 106 47 TucanaeCaldwellC106 NGC104 47 TucanaeDoradoLMCLarge Magellanic CloudGalactic NebulaNGC2070 Caldwell 103 30 Doradus Tarantula NebulaC103 NGC2070 30 Doradus Tarantula Nebula
Large and Small Magellanic Clouds - 30/10/2014 (Processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Noticeable lens flare at the edges and a strong red gradient due to city light in the west and southwest. See also cropped version.
Canon 60D DSLR, Ambient ~12C. Canon IS 18-200mm EF-S f/3.5-f/5.6 lens at 18mm f/3.5 on Skywatcher Star Adventurer EQ mount
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (248) of 310 Images ISO 1600 @ 30 Sec at ~12C, 32 DARK @ 120 Sec @~18C, 32 BIAS, 17 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2015ConstellationHydrusTucanaGalaxySMCSmall Magellanic CloudGlobular ClusterNGCNGC104 Caldwell 106 47 TucanaeCaldwellC106 NGC104 47 TucanaeDoradoLMCLarge Magellanic CloudGalactic NebulaNGC2070 Caldwell 103 30 Doradus Tarantula NebulaC103 NGC2070 30 Doradus Tarantula Nebula
In The Mood for a South Polar Dance - 23/5/2015 (Processed stills into video)
Imaged at Karalee Rocks, ~50km East of Southern Cross.
Three galaxies rotating around the South Polar sky - The Large and Small Magellanic clouds at bottom and our own Milky Way.
Created with Microsoft Movie Maker from 148 DSLR images
The Emu in the Sky - 25/2/2017 (Processed cropped stack)
The Emu in the Sky - Body (Scorpius) to head (Crux)
See also uncropped version.
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Accidentally set JPEG only (not RAW)
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (23) of 29 Images ISO 250 @ 120 Sec, 0 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2016
Canon 60D with Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens - 120s at ISO250 and f/2.8ConstellationCentaurusCruxScorpiusGalaxyMilky WayThe Emu In The Sky
From 2017 Refocusing
The Emu in the Sky - 25/2/2017 (Processed stack)
The Emu in the Sky - Body (Scorpius) to head (Crux).
See also cropped version.
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Accidentally set JPEG only (not RAW)
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (23) of 29 Images ISO 250 @ 120 Sec, 0 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2016
Canon 60D with Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens - 120s at ISO250 and f/2.8ConstellationCentaurusCruxScorpiusGalaxyMilky WayThe Emu In The Sky
From 2017 Refocusing
Caldwell 65 - NGC253 - Sculptor, Silver Coin or Silver Dollar Galaxy
Telescope - Bintel BT200 f/4.0 Newtonian (borrowed from Stephen Boyd) with Baader MPCC Coma Corrector, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 40D DSLR field 64' x 95', Ambient 21-20C. EQMOD EQASCOM with Ascom 6 for mount control. Backyard EOS 2.09 for Image acquisition. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShurtTube 80 with Starlight Xpress Superstar (mono) CCD guide camera and Stark Labs PHD auto guiding software.
CaldwellC65 Sculptor Silver Coin Silver Dollar GalaxyGalaxyNGCNGC253 C65 Sculptor Silver Coin Silver Dollar GalaxyWorth100031Day Oct 2013
Milky Way 'Head of the Emu' - 29/3/2017 (Processed cropped stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Milkyway around Centaurus, Crux, Carina. See also uncropped version.
Canon 60D, Tokina A-X Pro DX 11-16mm f/2.8 at f/4, Ambient ~18C
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (32) of 40 Images ISO 800 @ 120 Sec, 16 DARK @ 120 Sec, 16 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2016ConstellationCarinaCruxCentaurusGalaxyMilky Way
From 2017 Refocusing
Milky Way 'Head of the Emu' - 29/3/2017 (Processed stack)
Imaged at Perth Observatory.
Milkyway around Centaurus, Crux, Carina. See also cropped version.
Canon 60D, Tokina A-X Pro DX 11-16mm f/2.8 at f/4, Ambient ~18C
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.4 Stacked 80% (32) of 40 Images ISO 800 @ 120 Sec, 16 DARK @ 120 Sec, 16 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC 2016ConstellationCarinaCruxCentaurusGalaxyMilky Way
From 2017 Refocusing
Milky Way and Southern Cross Rising- Busselton - 19/12/2011 (Processed still images into video
Having travelled to Busselton for a few days with the family I took my DSLR and Tripod to do some wide field shots. This one taken from a grassed area near the beach and ~50m away from buidlings.
Sequence of 45 x 20sec ISO-1600 at F=18mm and f/3.5. Images every 180 sec using Canon 400DDSLR with with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and RAW images with in-camera Dark enabled. Sequence generated in Microsoft Windows Live Movie Maker. Music background "Generique" from the movie soundtrack to the film "Bilitis" by Francis Lai.
Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient ~20C, Skylight 1B filter, Canon 18-55mm f/2.5-5.6 lens at 18mm f/4.0 on fixed tripod,In camera Dark ON
Messier M83 NGC5236 Southern Pinwheel Galaxy - 1/3/2011 (Processed cropped single image)
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 1 Images ISO 800, 480 Sec, 3 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, post processed by Photoshop CS5
First attempt at M83 from home location, with 2X powermate. Despire tracking errors, a clear spiral shows this is worth pursing further from my home location, and darker skies trip to Wagin a few days later (alas, clouds thwarted this aim).
Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Televue 2x 2" Powermate, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient ??C not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.MessierM83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyNGCNGC5236 M83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy
Caldwell 77 - NGC5128 - Centaurus A Galaxy - Dark Sky site near Wagin - 4/3/2011 (Single processed image)
The 5th brightest galaxy in the sky and a southern hemisphere object. It spans 25' x 20' and so is nearly the size of the full moon. It is 10-16 Million LY away from us.
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 1 Images ISO 800 300 Sec, 10 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS4
A single test shot at the end of the night to see how this comapared to the city and to prepare as a target for the second night (alas it was clouded out). See 26/2/11 for city comparison which has much lass contrast, and higher noise due to lack of darks.
Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, NO filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient ??C not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.caldwellc77 centaurus a galaxyngcngc5128 c77 centaurus a galaxygalaxy
Messier M104 - NGC4594 - Sombrero Galaxy 8/3/2011 (Processed cropped single image - Powermate test)
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 1 Images ISO 800, 600 Sec, 32 DARK, 12 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post processed by Adobe Photshops CS5
Second attempt at M104 from home location, with 2X powermate. The lack of FLATS has shown up dust and other marks in the optical train. Cropping has shows flattness and tracking errors. Need to concentrate more on centreing and focus when using the Powermate. See also uncropped version, and first attempt 24/2/11.
Note added 1/10/2012 - These initial disappoinging results caused me to leave the PowerMate for 18 months before I realised a couple of things. The Televue Powermate T-Ring adapter is optimised for 55mm backfocus which is room for a T-Adapter to DSLR and nothing else. I had been using several T-Extension tubes on the camera side instead of extension tubes on the telescope side to get focus! I also found the allen key head that adjusts the crayford focuser tightness. See 30/9/2012 results for a stark comparison.
Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Televue 2x 2" Powermate, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.MessierM104 Sombrero GalaxyNGCNGC4594 M104 Sombrero GalaxyGalaxy
Messier M104 - NGC4594 - Sombrero Galaxy 8/3/2011 (Processed single image Powermate test)
DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 1 Images ISO 800, 600 Sec, 32 DARK, 12 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post processed by Adobe Photshops CS5
Second attempt at M104 from home location, with 2X powermate. The lack of FLATS has shown up dust and other marks in the optical train. See also cropped version, and first attempt 24/2/11.
Note added 1/10/2012 - These initial disappoinging results caused me to leave the PowerMate for 18 months before I realised a couple of things. The Televue Powermate T-Ring adapter is optimised for 55mm backfocus which is room for a T-Adapter to DSLR and nothing else. I had been using several T-Extension tubes on the camera side instead of extension tubes on the telescope side to get focus! I also found the allen key head that adjusts the crayford focuser tightness. See 30/9/2012 results for a stark comparison.
Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Televue 2x 2" Powermate, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.MessierM104 Sombrero GalaxyNGCNGC4594 M104 Sombrero GalaxyGalaxy
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