I decided to capture an extended integration of Pleiades (M45). This image boasts a 4.5 hours of integration consisting of a stack of 52 images, each at 5 minutes. The process of stacking several images improves the signal to noise ratio, that is, remove unwanted noise and gives a cleaner image. This is a theory that I had to prove for myself, and yes… I am sold 🙂. I will definitely be focusing on accumulated integration time, rather than simply taking long exposure shots. Remember to look up and enjoy an amazing Universe!!!
Mount: Explore Scientific EXOS2GT mount
Camera: Altair Hypercam 183MC (fan cooled)
Main Scope: Skywatcher ED72 APO + 0.8 reducer + flattener
Guiding: Svbony 30mm f/4 + ASI120MC
Exif: 52 frames at 5 mins; Gain 400; Offset 30; focal length 340mm; f/4.5
PixInsight, Photoshop, PHD2
Hi Drex!
Really like your comment about stacking multiple short exposures as opposed to taking simple long exposures. Let the computer do the work it’s a lot easier on the Astro photographer!
You know I mostly worked with reflectors, but because of the secondary mirror setup, Bright Stars always had those four diffractions spikes on the top and bottom and sides of the photos.
Well I kind of like that I thought it was sort of stylistically interesting. Your stars are always pretty much pinpoints. By the way I am replying on your website, as I get a much better and clearer image here than I do when you just post the photos on Facebook (Big Surprise!,)
Nevertheless really nice work, and if this encourages anybody to be more interested about looking up and taking in the cosmos then my friend you have succeeded!
Anyhow hope you are well, you know I just finished 8 weeks of radiation therapy for my prostate cancer. Still have some nasty side effects, but doing better, and basically in remission at least for a while.
Keep up the good work, brother, talk to you soon!
Your fan
Eric!😎
Hi Eric. It is always a joy to read your comments on my posts. You’re very correct re imaging through a reflector scope. I actually like to see these 😊. I need to get one of the scopes.
I really learnt from this experience. So now when it’s clear I will keep trying to shoot higher integration time. This journey continues to be amazing 🙌🏾. And I am loving it.
Thank you for sharing about your therapy. Even as you go through, I pray my images continue to be a blessings. You are an inspiration to me and I will keep going and improving.