IC 405 and IC 410

[Nighthound]

A couple more nebula inside Auriga. Good size object pair for the 400-500mm range.

Takahashi Sky 90 II • Losmandy G11 • Canon 20D(unmod) • 37 x 240 sec. exposures (unguided) combined • Noel's Astro Tools in PS CS3

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Astrophotography/flamingstrrev2cc-1.jpg

[FarmerDave8N]

Steve - super shot! You pull a lot out with that unmodded camera!

David

[Nighthound]

Thanks Dave. I've been pleasantly surprised with my 20D for red response. My 5D can't touch it for that. I also find the color noise to be far less in my 20D which is why I've been using it exclusively lately. I need to run more tests with the 5D now that winter has set in.

[Celestron]

Oh Yeah !! Beautiful shot Steve ! Colors and stars really pop !

[macroshooter1970]

Beautiful

[R Hardman]

Simply Stunning Steve!

[strgazr27]

Steve,

Amazing work for a stock camera. I have been contemplating going back to my 20D and making the 40 my everyday camera but man it's hard to give up live view for cenetring and aligning.

A nice object I need to add to my list.

CS's

[Nighthound]

Thanks Ron, arizona, Rick and Bobby.

Bobby, I wouldn't mind live view at all. I'm considering the 50D as my next body but mainly for my birding. I'm sure I'd love it for astro as well. I'm looking forward to seeing your image of the IC 405/410 duo, I know it'll be amazing.

[dpastern]

That's a wonderful shot, sort of remind me a bit of Rob Gellar's works. Takahashi's aren't cheap either.

Dave

[Nighthound]

Thanks Dave.

[Eng27DCFD]

How do you take photos like that? I'm at a complete loss!

[Nighthound]

A telescope mounted on a motorized mount that tracks objects at the same rate at which Earth is rotating is used for long exposures. I use a DSLR which is attached to the telescope, essentially making the telescope a lens. Many subexposures (in this case 4 minutes each) are taken and then combined in a software program designed for astrophotography, this process is referred to as "stacking". This increases total signal(good stuff like the nebulosity or dust and gases seen here) and at the same time reduces image noise created by long exposure(including internal camera thermal noise) at high ISO settings. The number of exposures needed for good results varies on the objects brightness. More exposures means more total signal gathered but there are limitations when using a DSLR for this type of work. Dedicated astro CCD cameras offer far greater sensitivity and are cooled to help reduce noise levels. There's much more to this but that's the cliff notes. :D Be glad to answer any other questions.

[A.S.I.G.N. Observatory]

Magnificent Steve! Good work mate.

Baz.