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RICHARD COFER

VdB 141 Ghost Nebula

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Posts Made By: Alec Hitchman

May 31, 2007 06:18 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Long Time No See

Posted By Alec Hitchman
Hello, everyone;

While the last 6-7 months have been terrible for imaging here in WA state, I have been keeping tabs on the excellent photos that others are getting.

Here is my latest; finally got a good night, with the moon being about 95% full, though.

M13 shot with my MX716, using an Astronomik H-alpha filter on my Orion 120ST refractor at f/4 with WO 0.8x reducer.

10 3 minute subs. Autoguided on the LXD75 mount using a DSIpro.

Stacked in MaximDL, quick stretch and star tighten in Nebulosity.

Keith

June 11, 2007 08:34 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

M8

Posted By Alec Hitchman
Well, finally got my WO ZS80FD piggybacked on the 14" SCT, and here is a first light picture;

Had cloudy skies, so had to sneak 30 minutes of 5 min subs using the WO 0.8x reducer, Astronomik 13nm H-a. Therefor this image is kindof noisy.

Guiding using the 14" and a DSI under Envisage.

Post processed in Nebulosity and Photoshop CS.

It looks clear tonight, would love to get some more data..........

August 11, 2007 10:10 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

First H-alpha with ST-7E

Posted By Alec Hitchman
Finally got some time to play with my new toy, the ST-7E. I have the CFW-8A with Astrodon -E filters, and will post some color when I can.

Here is the first H-alpha shot with the ST-7E. Astronomik 13nm filter used, in the CFW-8A.

Taken with the 14" SCT, at 6.3 FR.

5 x 3 min., binned 2x2 (to help my image scale; self-guiding wasn't cooperating at full resolution due to mount drive backlash and such). Acquired and stacked in Maxim, processed in PS.

The automatic filter wheel is really nifty, and I like the quality of the ST-7E. A bit of a change from the Starshoot, DSI Pro, and MX716 I have used in the past.

Clear skies,

Keith

August 28, 2007 01:56 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

First shots with AO-7

Posted By Alec Hitchman
Here are a couple of my first images taken with the AO-7 operating at 0.8 arc seconds per pixel for 5 minute subs. When this AO-7 works, it makes a world of difference with my LX200 fork mount at this high of a resolution.

My color subs for NGC 4954 did not come out (clouds), and I want to get a lot more luminance on this before it's hidden for the fall; we will see.

NGC 891 was just a test.

September 4, 2007 01:48 PM Forum: Eyepieces

"Tele-Optic" brand?

Posted By Alec Hitchman
Does anyone know anything about the "Tele-Optic" brand?

I have a 18-mm Kellner of theirs, which works great on my PST; the EP is built like a tank.

I would love to get others of similar build quality, but have been unable to find them.

It has a volcano top, but no other markings besides "Tele-Optic" and "18 mm Kellner"

Thanks,

Keith

July 1, 2009 07:57 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

But where's the color?

Posted By Alec Hitchman
That's what my wife says when she sees my H-alpha shots.

I gave up my filter wheel and other filters, as tri-color (narrow- or broad-band) has always been difficult for me.

I like how mono H-alpha does well on emission, but I don't like how I can't get reflection nebs....that's what I have to settle on being a mono-only wimp!

110-minutes (300 sec subs) on M-20, taken with my little Starshoot II mono, Astronomik H-alpha, through my WO 80FD w/WO reducer.

July 1, 2009 08:00 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

But where's the color in this one?

Posted By Alec Hitchman
Here is another mono shot, this time through an Astronomik CLS filter, to help cut down on my LP.

About 30-minutes (300sec subs) using my venerable AP-6EP, at ~1.5"/pix resolution through the Meade 14" at f/9.85. I reduced the 1024x1024 original by x2.

Believe me, the Meade fork was huffing and puffing trying to keep my stars from looking like snakes. I'll live with the football shapes I've got.

This was before I fixed my polar alignment...my concrete slab has a seasonal slump, I am worried to find out.

July 7, 2009 04:24 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Barnard 92

Posted By Alec Hitchman
I needed a subject that I could shoot all night around my trees and such, as I am not fully automated yet.

So, my first stab at a dark nebula was in order. Here is Barnard 92, 28x5 min.

I tried a bunch of 10 minute subs too, but I need a narrower H-a filter; the background was really high on those, which really ate into my dynamic range, so I just used the 5 minute data. The full moon and clouds of smoke from fireworks didn't help the 10-minute subs, either.

I had to clip the dark end, otherwise the nebula is too noisy.

Lots of stars in this region, sheesh!

July 11, 2009 05:06 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Some 10min sub data after a night of frustration

Posted By Alec Hitchman
I am in the process of upgrading my observatory server, and it has really been a battle. After hours of futile efforts with bad cords, bad connections, and bad configurations, with a clear, mild night disappearing in front of my eyes, I finally had to pull out the laptop and shoot a simple subject.

I am still experimenting with 10 minute subs in H-alpha. This subject (M-16) is an easier target than my intended target, but it was good practice anyhow.

If my primary plans don't work out again, I may go back for a couple of hours more on this guy before he disappears behind the neighbor's trees.

I think that this image is less noisy than my previous 5-minute sub shots.

September 21, 2009 06:49 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Low res H-alpha

Posted By Alec Hitchman
I tried an experiment during my vacation in August: hooking up the AP-6E to my 120mm f/5 Orion refractor. Serious curvature, and a scale of between 8-9"/pixel, but it makes guiding easier.

Here is NGC1499, with just under 5 hours total exposure (10 min subs)

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