Running Man (NGC 1977)

[Nighthound]

This is 90 minutes of exposure combined. 45 x 120 sec. at 800 ISO. 10" LX200 / Canon 20D(unmod)

The second shot is for location purposes in case anyone might be locating this one for the first time. The second image was taken with a TAK Sky 90 II on a Losmandy G-11, 2. hours of exposure time

NGC 1977 is located at the top end(closer to the belt) of Orion's Sword.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Astrophotography/runmnfrm3-1-1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/PS%20Gallery/sword07s90cc.jpg

[Johnny9s]

WOW!!! :shock::shock::shock: Your images always amaze me Steve.

[drevilsmom]

WOW X2! Nice job, Steve.

[Nighthound]

Thanks John and Elizabeth.

[Celestron]

Steves amazed me from the begining way back ! Not sure how long tho but i think back several years !

[Nighthound]

Thanks Ron, I think we met in the forums about 5 years back. We've both come a long way since then. Time is flying.

[PJ1958]

Beautiful!

[yagimax]

Wow! First Luna and now this, incredible! The sharp detail in the nebulosity looks as though it came from the HST.
I'm afraid to ask, but how long would it take for a newbie getting into astrophotagraphy to obtain results like these?
I was planning of joining a local astronomy club and now I think I will.:)

[Nighthound]

Thanks so much PJ1958 and yagimax. I've been at this for about 5 years total now, 2 years Lunar/planetary and some deep sky and 3 years of only deep-sky . Like with most hobbies it really depends on the time you have to dedicate to it as well as having skies/weather that allow you to apply yourself. I was out every chance I got and spent a lot of time in the forums asking questions and learning from those with more experience. If you're passionate about it and have the time(and resources) you can progress quickly but don't expect instant success, there are plenty of hurdles to jump along the way, especially starting out with no equipment experience. But it truly is a very rewarding hobby and the challenges only sweeten the successes. Oh, and it helps a lot to be a very patient person. Hang around and feel free to ask questions, we're here to help if you need it.