M78 / NGC 2068 in Orion

[Andy Nowlen]

Here I have my first M78 image. It is the result of 5 sessions in January. Some sessions were short because fog rolled in. But I did manage two sessions that were long enough and dark enough to get some decent data. Along the way I encountered a challenge with my AsiAir pro. The "GOTO" function, went, but to some unknown area of the sky. I almost, maybe, enjoyed the problem solving aspect of this hobby. Finally I got the plate solving issue resolved and began the captures. I am happy with the result.

Takahashi FSQ106n @ 530mm
AsiAir Pro computer
ZWO EAF
Asi533mc pro camera
Optolong L-enhance filter
Ioptron CEM40EC mount
Both 180 and 240-second sub-exposures.
9.7 hours integration time
Astropixel processor
Pixinsight
Photoshop

 

[Ben Egbert]

I would certainly be happy with these results.

 

[JimFox]

Wow!!! This is so nice! Love the detail and coloring in this.

I just started using the ASIAir Pro with the 120mm guide scope, so my experience is limited with it. But one thing I do like about the GoTo on it is how it will GoTo an object, look at it to see if it’s centered, and if not, move a bit more to center up the object. I just find that so cool.

I then have to unplug my DSLR from the ASIAir to do my imaging because the mirror slap on the Nikon sends the guide camera into a tizzy ams once it starts swinging too wild it takes forever for it to get back to good guiding. If I run my Nikon separately it has a silent mode where it keeps the shutter up just uses the electronic front current for exposures. It essentially turns itself into a Mirrorless camera. ASIAir Pro doesn’t realize that though and will force the shutter up and down. So until I get an Astro cam, the ASIAir is just being used for guiding and GoTo.

 

[AlanLichty]

Beautiful deep space scene. I am not an astro photographer myself but I sure like seeing the results of efforts like this.

 

[Andy Nowlen]

Wow!!! This is so nice! Love the detail and coloring in this.

I just started using the ASIAir Pro with the 120mm guide scope, so my experience is limited with it. But one thing I do like about the GoTo on it is how it will GoTo an object, look at it to see if it’s centered, and if not, move a bit more to center up the object. I just find that so cool.

I then have to unplug my DSLR from the ASIAir to do my imaging because the mirror slap on the Nikon sends the guide camera into a tizzy ams once it starts swinging too wild it takes forever for it to get back to good guiding. If I run my Nikon separately it has a silent mode where it keeps the shutter up just uses the electronic front current for exposures. It essentially turns itself into a Mirrorless camera. ASIAir Pro doesn’t realize that though and will force the shutter up and down. So until I get an Astro cam, the ASIAir is just being used for guiding and GoTo.

I hadn't thought about the mirror slap issue. When I was using my Staradventurer I didn't think of that. Maybe I could have improved my images back then if that had crossed my mind. I guess it is more of the 'enjoyable' problem-solving aspect of this hobby!!!

 

[Mike Lewis]

Very nice close up of this cool target!

ML

 

[Andy Nowlen]

Very nice close up of this cool target!

ML

Now that I am back in the rainy season, I plan to restack and process this M78. Some of the club members helped me see that I might be able to do better on the bright core area and show some better detail. At least that is something to do!