M78 and Friends in Orion

[budguinn]

Hello friends,

This is a beautiful combination of reflection, emission and absorption nebulas in Orion...just to the top of the flame nebula.
This has been a very elusive target for me in the last few years. I was able to get two nights of data, between storms (including quite alot of snow) on the Oregon coast.......that time of year.



Larger sizes here:

Taken over two nights.
Telescope: Tak Epsilon 180ED
Camera: SXV-M25C with IDAS lp filter
approx 6 hours with 7min subs
Processed in ImagesPlus, AstroArt and PSCS2 with Noel's AstroTools for noise removal.

I've been using three different programs to process my shots.....these are ImagesPlus, AstroArt 4.0 and CCDStack. This image, over two nights was processed by ImagesPlus and AstroArt. The new AstroArt 4.0 has some really nice routines and color conversion is much superior to the previous ver 3.0....also, the stacking/aligning is really slick.

any comments and suggestions are appreciated,

[BT Technologies]

Superb imag Bud!!

Just curious, I notice in your signature that you are using the IDAS LP filter with your SX camera. If you did not use the filter how much of a reduction in imaging time would there be and what would be the effects of the removal of the filter?

I know that you are imaging from some very dark skies so I was just wondering about your "need" for using the filter.

[budguinn]

Originally Posted by BT Technologies

Superb imag Bud!!

Just curious, I notice in your signature that you are using the IDAS LP filter with your SX camera. If you did not use the filter how much of a reduction in imaging time would there be and what would be the effects of the removal of the filter?

I know that you are imaging from some very dark skies so I was just wondering about your "need" for using the filter.

Hi Brian,

I use the IDAS because an IR blocker is pretty much required. I've tried a straight IR block and the IDAS and I never have any problems balancing the color with the IDAS, but usually have to work pretty hard with the staight IR block.
I don't know the real difference in sensitivity....I've seen quoted 10% to 30%...not sure what it is, but I know that if I can get a few hours or more of RGB time I can usually get a decent image. The tougher ones, like M78, take much more time to really get it smooth. This image could honestly stand another few hours. I may try taking some shots just of M78 with my R200SS and then blend it into the widefield for some more definition/detail.

[neilfleming]

Outstanding, as usual, Bud.

Send me sone of your skies, will ya? I have had nothing since the start of December!

...Neil

[BT Technologies]

Very interesting Bud... Thanks for the explanation as it makes a lot of sense. I am forced to use the IDAS filter, not so much for the IR issues but for the LP issues we have.

Along with sending some of your skies to Neil, please send some of your DARK skies down here as well.

Originally Posted by budguinn

Hi Brian,

I use the IDAS because an IR blocker is pretty much required. I've tried a straight IR block and the IDAS and I never have any problems balancing the color with the IDAS, but usually have to work pretty hard with the staight IR block.
I don't know the real difference in sensitivity....I've seen quoted 10% to 30%...not sure what it is, but I know that if I can get a few hours or more of RGB time I can usually get a decent image. The tougher ones, like M78, take much more time to really get it smooth. This image could honestly stand another few hours. I may try taking some shots just of M78 with my R200SS and then blend it into the widefield for some more definition/detail.