Astro Images From 18/19 November 2006

Last night I spent some time polar aligning the mount and then decided to test it a little by taking images through my Pentax refractor with the modified 300d.

The first target was M45 - The Pleiades.
12 x 30sec exposures. ISO 800. Processed with Imagesplus and Photoshop.



As always, I'd greatly appreciate constructive feedback as it helps my efforts to improve my imaging and processing skills.

As I process my other images of other targets, I'll place them in this thread also.

Regards,

Flame Nebula
12 x 30sec exposures, ISO 800, Modified Canon 300d, Pentax 75 SDHF Refractor



The Horsehead Nebula is also visible, albeit very faint. I think this target is deserving of longer exposures.

Regards,

M42 & M43 The Orion Nebula and NGC 1977 The Running Man Nebula
12 x 30sec exposures, Modified Canon 300d, Pentax75 SDHF Refractor, processed with Imagesplus, Photoshop and Neat Image.



These images have been processed fairly quickly. When we get some cloudy nights again, I'll spend a bit more time on them.

Regards,

WOW fantastic images Michael, keep up the good work. I cant wait to see the images when they are completely finished.

That's a great refractor there michael, what glass is it made with??? I take it it's aperature is 75mm?? The third image is superb!!!!

Keith..

Thanks for the kind words lads.

That's a great refractor there michael, what glass is it made with??? I take it it's aperature is 75mm?? The third image is superb!!!!

Keith..

Keith,

For details fo the refractor:
www.telescope-service.com/pentax/start/pentaxstart.html#75sdhf
www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=8732

What I like about it is the fact that is specifically designed to give a large flat field - few apos cater for that, which is why I selected it as I wanted to use my 300d. It has a doublet at the front and a third lens midway to further improve colour correction and flatten the field. It i designed to allow for use of 6cm x 4cm format.
The focuser also has a lock on it which is rock solid and can easily take the load of the camera without budging.

Regards,