First Light

Well; here it is, my first light image. M51 as you might have guessed at this time of year. My camera is a new SBIG 402ME. This is a 25 minute exposure, 5 x 5 minutes. Minimal processing. I let the software auto subtract darks and auto set the contrast. I haven't done bias frames yet, and I don't have any flats either.

I adjusted the contrast a little bit to lessen the core burn out, and saved it as a jpeg for posting.

I was very pleased to see a couple of background galaxies in the FIT image. They are still sort of visible in the JPEG.

I'm really looking forward to becoming proficient at processing and the more advanced techniques. I sure didn't have time for color or anything fancy last night after my lengthy and fumbling set up!

Thanks, - Jim -

Attached Image:

Excellent first light!
Great detail, and not to mention those two "extra" galaxies in the field, clearly visible to me...


Well done, and thanks for sharing! 8)

Great first light. I've been waiting to see ST402 images. What scope was used?

Nice first light shot!

Looks good - Cal

Great loooking shot Jim!! Keep them coming.
Cheers,
Tyler

Thanks for the words of encouragement. This is going to be fun.

- Jim -

That is a pretty nice image there. It looks a lot better than the one I took with my 237 and AP-130. I have been waiting paintiently for some shots with this camera, but so far I have only seen one other one besides yours. Like you, I have been saving for a bigger camera. I may get the ST-402 to hold me over until I can afford the ST-10 that I always wanted. Please put up more pictures when you get a chance. Thanks.
Ralph