I’ve imaged M45 twice before in 2018 and 2019. Both modest attempts that produced okay images (I was thrilled at the time!).
This attempt is modest, but I feel better. I do have 2.5 additional hours of data that I have not processed yet.
Got the opportunity to try out a couple of new things.
I downloaded and installed Green Swamp Server to control my HEQ5 mount with a direct connect cable bypassing the hand controller.
For those not familiar with GSS, it is a server application with its own
ascom driver (similar to EQMOD). Simply connect all
ascom applications (N.I.N.A, PHD2, Cartes du Ceil in my case) with the GSS
ascom driver and GSS runs the show in the background. Pretty slick stuff, but I did have some growing pains as I usually do with new hardware or software, and lots to learn.
GSS has a pretty aggressive
DEC backlash compensation utility that I am eventually going to try out. However, I have PHD2’s
DEC backlash compensation pretty dialed in. PHD2 is handling
DEC backlash from
DEC reversals and dithers very nicely, so for now, I will let PHD handle the
DEC backlash.
The other new try is my first time imaging with a uv/ir cut filter. With my ASI 533, I had only used an IDAS LPS D-1 light pollution filter (that I felt I must use in my
Bortle 7 backyard with very strong Na vapor neighborhood lighting).
On Emission or planetary nebulae targets, the Optolong L-eNhance is magic and is very moonlight resistant.
Imaging Details:
Sharpstar 61 (with new objective), 0.8FR/
FF (270mm)
Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro mount
ASI 533
MC-Pro
309 light frames at 60 seconds. Gain 104/offset 50 @ -10C (a hair over 5 hours)
Sybony uv/ir cut filter
25 darks, dark flats, and flats
Sharpstar 61 EDPHII and 0.8
FR/
FF.
Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro mount.
Imaged on 11/30/21. Acquired with N.I.N.A. through Green Swamp Server (with help from PHD2) and processed with Pixinsight 1.8.8-11 and Topaz Denoise AI.
Thanks for looking and comments are very welcome!
Jim
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), ZWO OAG, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, ASI 220mm mini , IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut,
N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
Dog and best bud: Jack
Sky: Bortle 6-7
My Astrobin:
https://www.astrobin.com/users/Juno16/