Posts Made By: Steve Mathis

October 1, 2011 11:04 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Dust in Western Cepheus

Posted By Steve Mathis

A stunning and amazing image. With what instrument was this taken? I love the wide field. I can't say I've seen one like this before. You must have some really dark skies to do this!

October 2, 2011 10:33 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

LDN 1295 and 1296

Posted By Steve Mathis

Wow, very cool! Imaging dark against darker! You must be under some dark skies.

October 4, 2011 04:24 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Well, the color is good! Have you considered (as Roland suggests) shooting a bunch, and stacking them? Doing this kind of work with a DSLR is certainly not the same ballgame as using a webcam/computer setup, but even 20 or 30 frames, when stacked, can improve things a lot. I've had some success with Jupiter that way. In any case, it looks like you are having some fun!

October 7, 2011 04:20 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Uranus 10-6-11

Posted By Steve Mathis

Nice work!

October 24, 2011 06:47 PM Forum: Comets

Comet Garradd on Sept. 19

Posted By Steve Mathis

Here it is, one month later under nice dark skies. Taken with a Nikon D50 and an 8" f/4.9 Newt, 12 x 6 min, ISO 1600. Stacked with the "comet freeze" mode in DSS. This mode makes it look like the comet is standing still, but it is moving right along. I also got to observe the comet with a 12" Dob, and the two tails were fairly visible.

October 25, 2011 10:03 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

M 31 with 6" f/4 Newt

Posted By Steve Mathis

Here is a crop of the first image, about 88% reduction from full resolution. The residual coma is more visible here. I intended to get some shorter exposures to fill in the burned-out core, but, alas, I got too cold and tired. Oh well, maybe next time.

October 26, 2011 12:55 PM Forum: Wildlife Photography