M31, old data, new stack and process

[slitherjef]

Last year in November (2007) I shot some 60 sec exposures at 200mm. Since I was bored and have no mount, I decided to use some new software, Deep Sky Stacker (I tried it before and I could not get it to work) and got it to work. So tonight, I feed the 10 sub frames in and let it do its thing. After a few minutes, it spit out a result, tossing half the data in the process. I figured, what the heck, and decided to load up the tiff in CS3 and see what I could do. I did my normal thing and decide since I had Noels Astro Tools, I might as well use them, so I started to run actions, star color, noise, color blotch, frame, local contrast and a couple others.

Here is what 5 min of data gets me with a new stack and some re processing

(its a large file so I will link to it)

http://home.comcast.net/~slitherjef/astrophoto/m31frame.jpg

I got to say, using DSS vs manual stacking in CS3 is MUCH better

[Adrena1in]

I have to admit that I really like DSS. It's so easy to use and while it's preview sometimes doesn't show a "realistic" image, once the TIFF is loaded into a paint package it can look great.

For only 5 minutes that's a pretty good image, but are you saying you don't have a mount? Or do you just not have one now, but *did* when you took the pictures??

[Nighthound]

Great work Allan. Longer subs and about 1-2 hours worth will greatly reduce the color blotch as well as resolve more detail, when or if you pick up a mount. I've never used DSS but I've heard it's a good one, no doubt more effective than PS. PS is amazing but it wasn't designed for improving signal and reducing noise. There may or may not be something that can be done in the stack but PS curves is your best bet to try and even the background tone.

Are you planning on getting a new mount?

[slitherjef]

I have to admit that I really like DSS. It's so easy to use and while it's preview sometimes doesn't show a "realistic" image, once the TIFF is loaded into a paint package it can look great.

For only 5 minutes that's a pretty good image, but are you saying you don't have a mount? Or do you just not have one now, but *did* when you took the pictures??

I *had* a mount, an ASGT that I used when I took the photos. It had a bad spill a while back and broke, so now, im out of a mount :cry:

NH, Yeah, I do plan on getting a new mount, Im looking at either the new CGEM or atlas goto. That is, if I can ever save the funds.

[Adrena1in]

If you were in the UK I'd offer you my EQ-5, to keep you going for a bit, as I'm planning to upgrade it. ;)

[slitherjef]

If you were in the UK I'd offer you my EQ-5, to keep you going for a bit, as I'm planning to upgrade it. ;)

If I was in the UK, I would probably take you up on that :) Thanks for the offer though