Orion in the Dust

A buddy is letting me use his FSQ-106N, so this image that started as a test image. The FSQ is a pretty nice instrument, but I did have some trouble with focus as the temperature changed from about 52 F to 24 F during the imaging session. I managed to keep focus with multiple refocusing - so I didn't lose too many subs to focus issues. It is nice glass compared to my other instruments, so I thought I would pay a little more attention in the processing than a *test image* would warrant.

Some of the dust around Orion and the Running Man Nebula came out nicely. This is basically an LRGB image, but I did have a set of H-Alpha exposures I used for some detail enhancement on the luminance. Image and details are here:

http://www.jthommes.com/Astro/orion.htm

Scope: FSQ-106N at f/5
Camera: ST8300M (Baader Ha LRGB filters)

Nice job on Orion here. I can appreciate the challenges of combining all those different exposure times. I'll bet it took longer to do than to describe. This object is definitely in my queue with a new refractor.

Charlie

Jim Thommes said:.... I did have some trouble with focus as the temperature changed from about 52 F to 24 F during the imaging session. I managed to keep focus with multiple refocusing.....

That's what the FSQ's are famous for.
The large, illuminated flat field is worth the trade-off I would think.
How were you focusing? An FSQ can certainly push one toward automated focusing.
That's a fine Orion, Jim.

dan kowall

Jim, fantastic image. I started M 42 last year but weather... I think i will finish this year.
I am using FSQ 106 N with STL 11000 around two years and that is absolutely fantastic setup. Changes of focus are really dramatic when temperature is dropping down but I have Robofocus so it is not so time consuming process.
I will not change FSQ for something else. Great astrograph, for me no.1 in 4 inch class!

Great image Jim, you caputred it well with nice processing too.

Absolutely gorgeous image Jim!