M33 LRGB

Hello,

Here is my shot at M33 this year.

I thought I'd try someting different with this image as well: I have an IDAS LPS filter that I haven't used in a while, and I thought I'd give it a whirl again, making sure to take some deep exposures (subexposure-wise and overall time-wise). I also used this as a practice run for doing a G2V calibration, figuring that the LPS filter could skew the RGB ratios of my Astrodon's. I like what I'm seeing so far!

Camera: SBIG ST-10XMEI with CFW-8a filter wheel and Astrodon Ha/LRGB filters
Telescope: Takahashi FSQ-106N
Mount: Astro-Physics AP1200GTO
Guider: Meade DSI Pro
Guide Scope: Borg 45ED

Exposure Information:
L: 43 x 10 minutes binned 1 x 1
R: 15 x 15 minutes binned 1 x 1
G: 15 x 15 minutes binned 1 x 1
B: 15 x 15 minutes binned 1 x 1
H-alpha: 4 x 30 minutes binned 1 x 1

Total LRGB Exposure time: 18 hours 25 minutes
Total HaLRGB Exposure time: 20 hours 25 minutes

This was imaged from my light-polluted (Mag 4-4.5) back yard in September, 2008.

CCDAutopilot was used to automate the data gathering, controlling MaximDL, TheSky6 and FocusMax. Preprocessing was done in MaximDL, and post-processing in Photoshop CS.

I definitely need more H-alpha exposures (some of the dim H-II regions could use more light). The pure H-alpha version is actually pretty intense, so I toned it down by blending in the LRGB version at 50%.

LRGB preview attached. Larger version is at:
http://tinyurl.com/67khsv

Comments and suggestions always welcome.

Thanks,
Eric

Attached Image:

And here it is with H-alpha data added.

Big image at:
http://tinyurl.com/5dzspk

Comments and suggestions always welcome.

Thanks,
Eric

Attached Image:

Eric,

Along with M81 and M51, this galaxy is amongst my favourites and you captured it very well. It is loaded with detail.

I hope you realize that M33 has approximately 60 (extragalactic) globular clusters discovered to-date and which you may wish to pursue. I hope this week to also tackle M33 with my AP160+AP reducer.

Keep'em coming.

Anthony.

Wow! Over 20 hours! 8O I wish I could get a night that long! Nice 8)

Beautiful detail & colors, Enrico, well done! 8)

Thanks, all!

Floyd, you *know* that this was shot over several nights,right? 8)

Anthony, interesting challenge! Are these globs within reach of my focal-length-challenged FSQ?

Eric

Sweet images Eric. It really looks great. Wow, that is a lot of exposure time!

Sweet image Eric,

I like both but the Ha does add some "pop" to it!

I have been using an Idas filter for most the year,my skies continue to worsen as they keep building all around me,I think it has helped improve my images in the conditions I shoot in.Seems to help keep the gradients to a more manageable level.

Man,that is a ton of exposure time,you were not messing around!

Jason