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

From 2012 The Journey Continues

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

From 2012 The Journey Continues

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

From 2011 Honing of Skills

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

From 2011 Honing of Skills

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

From 2011 Honing of Skills

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

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M53 - NGC5024 - Coma Berenices Globular Cluster - 3/4/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 2 Images ISO 800, 120 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM53 Coma Berenices Globular ClusterNGCNGC5024 M53 Coma Berenices Globular ClusterGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M53 - NGC5024 - Coma Berenices Globular Cluster - 3/4/2011 (Processed stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 2 Images ISO 800, 120 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM53 Coma Berenices Globular ClusterNGCNGC5024 M53 Coma Berenices Globular ClusterGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M59 - NGC4621 & M60 - NGC4649 - Elliptical Galaxies - 3/4/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 2 Images ISO 800, 180 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM59 Elliptical GalaxyNGCNGC4621 M59 Elliptical GalaxyGalaxyM60 Elliptical GalaxyNGC4649 M60 Elliptical Galaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M59 - NGC4621 & M60 - NGC4649 - Elliptical Galaxies - 3/4/2011 (Processed stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 2 Images ISO 800, 180 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

A point of note is that the lack of flats shows the optical tain marks in mid lower left and right.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM59 Elliptical GalaxyNGCNGC4621 M59 Elliptical GalaxyGalaxyMessierM60 Elliptical GalaxyNGCNGC4649 M60 Elliptical Galaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 65 - NGC253 - Sculptor, Silver Coin, Silver Dollar Galaxy - 28/5/2011 (Processed cropped single image)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 1 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 32 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 10C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxyngcngc253 c65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxygalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 65 - NGC253 - Sculptor, Silver Coin, Silver Dollar Galaxy - 28/5/2011 (Processed single image)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 1 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 32 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 10C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxyngcngc253 c65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxygalaxytrailsatellite

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 70 - NGC300 - Sculptor Spiral Galaxy - 29/5/2011 (Processed single image)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 1 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 32 DARK, 0 BIAS, 32 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 10C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc70 sculptor spiral galaxyngcngc300 c70 sculptor spiral galaxygalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M104 - NGC4594 - Sombrero Galaxy - 6/6/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 75% of 20 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 32 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Postprocessed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 12C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

messierm104 sombrero galaxyngcngc4594 m104 sombrero galaxygalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M104 - NGC4594 - Sombrero Galaxy - 6/6/2011 (Re-processed cropped stack)

Reprocessed in late 2012.

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 75% of 20 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 32 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Postprocessed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 12C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

MessierM104 Sombrero GalaxyNGCNGC4594 M104 Sombrero GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 77 - NGC5128 Centaurus A Galaxy - 6/6/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 80% of 20 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 32 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 12C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc77 centaurus a galaxyngcngc5128 c77 centaurus a galaxygalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 77 - NGC5128 Centaurus A Galaxy - 6/6/2011 (Re-processed cropped stack)

Reprocessed in late 2012.

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 80% of 20 Images, 32 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, post processed by Adobe Photshope CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 12C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc77 centaurus a galaxyngcngc5128 c77 centaurus a galaxygalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M31 - NGC224 - Andromeda Galaxy with M110 Galaxy - 16/09/2011 (Single test shot processed and cropped)

The Andromeda Galaxy is a large naked eye spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth in the Andromeda constellation.

My first revisit of this object since my first excited night with the 'new gear' a year earlier 4/10/2010. My position in a southern suburb of Perth overlooking the city to the North would appear to make M31 a 'challenging object' with a standard DSLR.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 22C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

MessierM31 Andromeda GalaxyNGCNGC224 M31 Andromeda GalaxyM110 Dwarf Spheroidal GalaxyNGC205 M110 Dwarf Spheroidal GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 72 - NGC 55 - Galaxy in Sculptor 25/09/2010 (Processed)

One of the first images, cropped and colour adjusted by Adobe Photoshop CS5. Taken through the Apogee 80 on the SkyWatcher NEQ6 mount, sidereal tracking but unguided for 30sec @ISO 800 in-camera JPEG with no in-camera dark and with no light pollution filter or field flattener.

The processing on this image is hardly worthwhile, however I've just tried to show that the tenuous galaxy structure is present and so that, with some effort, this object is worthy of further attention. Also see original unprocessed image.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 without Field Flattener or light polution filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Unguided. (Prime focus)

ngcngc55 c72 galaxycaldwellc72 galaxygalaxy

From 2010 A New Beginning

Caldwell 72 - NGC 55 - Galaxy in Sculptor 25/09/2010 (Original)

One of the first images, as it came out of the camera, through the Apogee 80 on the SkyWatcher NEQ6 mount, sidereal tracking but unguided for 30sec @ISO 800 in-camera JPEG with no in-camera dark and with no light pollution filter or field flattener.

Things to note are the reddish brown background caused by light pollution, not quite focused and spherical aberration at the outer third and corners of the image. However, it shows a hint of the edge-on galaxy just left of centre, showing that this object is reachable with this configuration.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 without Field Flattener or light polution filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Unguided. (Prime focus)

ngcngc55 c72 galaxycaldwellc72 galaxygalaxy

From 2010 A New Beginning

Messier M31 - NGC 224- Andomeda Galaxy 04/10/2010 (Processed JPEG Stack)

The Andromeda Galaxy is a large naked eye spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth in the Andromeda constellation.

First test 'stacked' and guided image of this magnificent object, however low to my northern horizon in the city light glow. 2 images stacked using DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 and cropped and colour adjusted by Adobe Photoshop CS5. Taken through the Apogee 80 on the SkyWatcher NEQ6 mount. Guided for 30sec @ISO 400 in-camera JPEG with no in-camera dark and with no light pollution filter or field flattener.

Things to note in the processed image are the complete lack of spiral arms! Cropping has avoided the spherical aberration from the outer edges of the original image. Focused using a Bahtinov Mask. Post processing has accentuated the colour and contrast a little but much more exposure and from a dark location is required for finer details in the spiral arm structure. My home location is not suitable.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 without Field Flattener or light polution filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

MessierM31 Andomeda GalaxyNGCNGC224 M31 Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy

From 2010 A New Beginning

Caldwell 65 NGC253 Sculptor Silver Coin or Silver Dollar Galaxy - 14/11/2010 (Processed Stack)

First attempt at one of the bighter galaxies. Also see 2012 reprocessed version.

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 70% of 10 Images ISO 800 200 Sec, 3 DARK, 3 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS3.

Things to note are the high level of noise as there was insufficient light gathered to ensure that the galaxy contrast to the skyglow was sufficient. The central core of the galaxy is over exposed. I was however quite impressed that this was visible with an 80mm refractor in suburban skies.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA T-Adapter, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC (not recorded). Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxyngcngc253 c65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxygalaxy

From 2010 A New Beginning

Caldwell 65 NGC253 Sculptor Silver Coin or Silver Dollar Galaxy - 14/11/2010 (Reprocessed Stack)

I revisited this stack of images in early 2012 and reprocessed it with the benefit of a bit more post-processing experience.

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 70% of 10 Images ISO 800 200 Sec, 3 DARK, 3 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS3.

Things to note are that the image is more balanced with less noise evident compared to my original processing. I tried to ensure that the background sky (from skyglow) was not too bright and the central portion not over-exposed by paying more attention to stretching the mid-tones rather than squashing the whole range as I had done initially.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA T-Adapter, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC (not recorded). Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxyngcngc253 c65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxygalaxy

From 2010 A New Beginning

NGC3621 Hydra Spiral Galaxy - 1/2/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

A spiral galaxy about 22 million LY from us. At ~10 Arcmin (1/3 moon) it at minimal image scale for the 80mm at prime focus, so the combination of not enough light, skyglow and lack of aperture shows little detail here.

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 85% of 6 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 4 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

NGCNGC3621 Hydra Spiral GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

NGC1672 Barred Spiral Galaxy - 2/2/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

Once again testing what the capabilities of the 80mm APO are in city skies. This object is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Dorado and at 6-7 arcmin (1/5 Moon) appears to be a small ojject for this optical configuration. Darker skies and more lights frames could certainly improve this though.

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 85% of 6 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 6 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

NGCNGC1672 Barred Spiral GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

NGC2442 Spiral Galaxy - 2/2/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

Another test of the capabilities of the 80mm APO are in city skies. This object is a spiral galaxy about 50 Million LY away in the constellation Volans and at 5 arcmin (1/6 Moon) appears to be a small ojject for this optical configuration. Darker skies and more lights frames could certainly improve this though.

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 85% of 6 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 6 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

NGCNGC2442 Spiral GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M65 & M66 and NGC3628 Leo Triplet Galaxies - 2/2/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

First attempt at this nice compact group of 3 galaxies about 35 Million LY distant. Dark skies and more imaging time would improve this.This cropped field is just over 1 degree across (2 moon diameters).

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 85% of 6 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 6 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

MessierM65 NGC3623 GalaxyNGCNGC3623 M65 GalaxyM66 NGC3627 GalaxyNGC3627 M66 GalaxyNGC3628 GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 77 - NGC5128 - Centaurus A Galaxy - 4/2/2011 (Processed single in-camera dark)

Single 120 Sec CR2 raw at ISO 1600 with In-Camera DARK. Post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5.

Experimenting to see what a single shot could achieve

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient xxC. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

NGCNGC5128 C77 Centaurus A GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M104 - NGC4594 - Sombrero Galaxy - 24/2/11 (Single test shot - cropped - PowerMate testing)

Single test 120sec ISO 800 CR2 shot using Teleview 2x Powermate. Post processed and cropped by Adobe Photoshop CS5.

My object alignment was not central so even this cropped image show the non-flatness as you move toward the right hand bottom corners. I found that the Powermate required considerable extension with the 80mm APO that put pressure on the drawtube and the squareness of it which is likley the cause of the corner variance. See also uncropped version.

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 Teleview 2x 2" Powermate, no filters, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient ??C not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

MessierM104 Sombrero GalaxyNGCNGC4594 M104 Sombrero GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M104 - NGC4594 - Sombrero Galaxy - 24/2/11 (Single test shot - PowerMate testing)

Single test shot 120sec ISO 800 CR2 using Televue 2x Powermate. Post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5.

Things to note in my first try at this object are the non-flatness as you move toward the corners and that the bottom right corner is by far the worst. I found that the Powermate required considerable extension with the 80mm APO that put pressure on the drawtube and the squareness of it which is likley the cause of the corner variance. See also cropped version.

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, no filters, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient ??C not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

MessierM104 Sombrero GalaxyNGCNGC4594 M104 Sombrero GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 77 - Centaurus A Galaxy - 26/2/11 (Single shot - cropped - PowerMate test)

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. My first image of this object.

Single image, 480sec ISO 800 CR2, no darks or flats. Post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5 to crop

A second night of testing with the new PowerMate seems more successful with greater attention to focus and tracking. Field flattness issues towards the corners hidden in this central area cropping. Noise in this single image without darks and flats is quite evident. See uncropped version also.

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 ??C not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc77 centaurus a galaxyngcngc5128 c77 centaurus a galaxygalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 77 - Centaurus A Galaxy - 26/2/11 (Single shot - PowerMate test)

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. My first image of this object.

Single image, 480sec ISO 800 CR2, no darks or flats. Post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5 to crop

A second night of testing with the new PowerMate seems more successful with greater attention to focus and tracking. Field flattness issues towards the corners remain leaving only the central area relatively flat. I had hoped for a better outcome than this. See cropped version also.

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 ??C not noted. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc77 centaurus a galaxyngcngc5128 c77 centaurus a galaxygalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M83 - NGC5236 - Southern Pinwheel Galaxy 8/3/2011 (Processed stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 3 Images ISO 800, 600 Sec, 32 DARK, 12 BIAS, 0 FLATS,post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Second attempt at M83 from home location, with 2X powermate. Even stacking only 3 images has improved the contrast. The lack of FLATS has shown up dust and other marks in the optical train. See also cropped version, and first attempt 1/3/2011.

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.

MessierM83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyNGCNGC5236 M83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M83 - NGC5236 - Southern Pinwheel Galaxy 8/3/2011 (Prcoessed cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 3 Images ISO 800, 600 Sec, 32 DARK, 12 BIAS, 0 FLATS,post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Second attempt at M83 from home location, with 2X powermate. Even stacking only 3 images has improved the contrast. 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 1/3/2011.

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.

MessierM83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyNGCNGC5236 M83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M85 - NGC4382 Lenticular Galaxy - 3/4/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 80% of 11 Images ISO 800 120 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM85 Lenticular GalaxyNGCNGC4382 M85 Lenticular GalaxyNGC4394Galaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M85 - NGC4382 Lenticular Galaxy - 3/4/2011 (Processed stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 80% of 11 Images ISO 800 120 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

A point of note is that the lack of flats shows the optical tain marks in mid lower left and right.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM85 Lenticular GalaxyNGCNGC4382 M85 Lenticular GalaxyNGC4394Galaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M64 - NGC4826 - Black Eye or Sleeping Beauty Galaxy 3/4/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 80% of 15 Images ISO 800 120 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM64 Black Eye or Sleeping Beauty GalaxyNGCNGC4826 M64 Black Eye or Sleeping Beauty GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M64 - NGC4826 - Black Eye or Sleeping Beauty Galaxy 3/4/2011 (Processed stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 80% of 15 Images ISO 800 120 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS5

A point of note is that the lack of flats shows the optical tain marks in mid lower left and right.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM64 Black Eye or Sleeping Beauty GalaxyNGCNGC4826 M64 Black Eye or Sleeping Beauty GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

M53 NGC5024 Coma Berenices Globular Cluster

Messier M53 - NGC5024 - Coma Berenices Globular Cluster - 3/4/2011 (re-processed cropped stack)

Reprocessed 14/7/2013.

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 2 Images ISO 800, 120 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM53 Coma Berenices Globular ClusterNGCNGC5024 M53 Coma Berenices Globular ClusterGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M99 - NGC4254 - Coma Berenices Unbarred Spiral Galaxy - 3/4/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 4 Images ISO 800, 120 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, post processed by Adobe Phtoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM99 Coma Berenices Unbarred Spiral GalaxyNGCNGC4254 Coma Berenices Unbarred Spiral GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M99 - NGC4254 - Coma Berenices Unbarred Spiral Galaxy - 3/4/2011 (Processed stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 4 Images ISO 800, 120 Sec, 11 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, post processed by Adobe Phtoshop CS5

A point of note is that the lack of flats shows the optical tain marks in mid lower left and right.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM99 Coma Berenices Unbarred Spiral GalaxyNGCNGC4254 Coma Berenices Unbarred Spiral GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M83 - NGC5236 - Southern Pinwheel Galaxy - 3/4/2011 (Processed cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 80% of 18 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 2 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS4

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyNGCNGC5236 M83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M83 - NGC5236 - Southern Pinwheel Galaxy - 3/4/2011 (Processed stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 80% of 18 Images ISO 800 180 Sec, 2 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, Post-processed by Photoshop CS4

A point of note is that the lack of flats shows the optical tain marks in mid lower left and right.

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, 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.

MessierM83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyNGCNGC5236 M83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Messier M83 - NGC5236 - Southern Pinwheel Galaxy - 6/6/2011 (Process cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 100% of 7 Images, 32 DARK, 0 BIAS, 0 FLATS, post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 12C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

NGCNGC5236 M83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyMessierM83 Southern Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills

Caldwell 65 - NGC253 - Sculptor, Silver Coin, Silver Dollar Galaxy - 6/8/2011 (Processed Cropped stack)

DeepSkyStacker 3.3.2 Stacked 80% of 13 Images ISO 800, 180 Sec, 32 DARK, 32 BIAS, 32 FLATS, Post processed by Adobe Photoshop CS5

Telescope - Apogee OrthoStar LOMO 80/480 with Hotech SCA Field Flattener, Hutech IDAS LPS-P2 filter, Canon 400D DSLR, Ambient 6C. Mount - Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro. Guidescope - Orion ShortTube 80 with Star Shoot Auto Guider.

caldwellc65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxyngcngc253 c65 sculptor silver coin silver dollar galaxygalaxy

From 2011 Honing of Skills