Astromart

February 11, 2005 03:53 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

M42 and M43 close-up

Wonderful detail, and seemless blending of layers! Colours are very vibrant, not pushed too much. Thanks for the look!

February 11, 2005 07:10 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Very nice job, great exposure.

I also recommend the 10-1 microfocusser, it does make things easier.

Instead of a Hartmann mask, I use string held in front of my objective in the shape of a "+". If you're out of focus, you'll see two vertical and two horizontal diffraction spikes. As you get closer to focus, the spikes will merge into one. You are in focus when the spikes are brightest and longest.

In conjunction with the diffraction spikes, I also use Images Plus and its FWHM Focus mode (DSLRFocus also has this capability). The combination helps nail down critical focus.

Even with all that, I still manage to miss focus from time to time :-(

February 12, 2005 12:34 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Orion and Running Man - from Utah

Posted By Don McCrady

There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Colours and focus are great, and preservation of detail at the core is excellent. Keep it!

February 12, 2005 08:46 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

M46 and M47

Posted By Don McCrady

Great wide-field, Ivan. The PN inside M46 is obvious, but would stand out more if the image size wasn't reduced. I like how deep you went, the clusters still stand out in the rich background.

February 13, 2005 01:01 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

M81-82 and NGC 3077

Posted By Don McCrady

Excellent. You got the wrapper around the "cigar" galaxy neatly.

February 13, 2005 01:03 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

M101 region

Posted By Don McCrady

Incredible detail, especially in the HII regions. Is this a full-field image, or did you accidentally crop out the left-most arm of M101? Still it's cool to get that little companion galaxy in the same field.

February 13, 2005 01:05 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky