Lots of galaxies

[stevec]

Here's a shot of the Centaurus galaxy cluster which doesn't seem to be imaged much. I didn't notice any sprial galaxies but there are a few spirals here and there. If you look carefully you can see faint dust lanes in the brightest member, NGC 4696.

Cheers

Steve

http://members.pcug.org.au/~stevec/ngc4696_STL11K_RC.htm

[Radar]

Amazing shot mate. I hadn't heard of that cluster before tonight. It is shots like that, that make you appreciate how big this place is. Awesome work mate.

Ray

[stevec]

Thanks Ray. I actually had lots of technical problems with flat fields that are still unexplained when taking this one. I think it could have turned out a lot better.

Cheers

Steve

[Radar]

Have you seen this software yet Steve -

http://www.rc-astro.com/resources/GradientXTerminator/

I haven't used it but it replaces flats. It may make life easier.

Ray

[stevec]

Hi Ray

I've used it for years now but it doesn't replace flat fielding. It's most suitable for fixing gradients which of course can appear in flats but it can't do anything much for dust donuts. Basically there's no software substitute for a good flat.

Cheers

Steve

[trevorw]

A lot of faint fuzzies in there Steve well done

[stevec]

Thanks Trevor

[Radar]

I've used it for years now but it doesn't replace flat fielding. It's most suitable for fixing gradients which of course can appear in flats but it can't do anything much for dust donuts. Basically there's no software substitute for a good flat.


Darn it Steve. Anything that reduces the workload is a good thing in my opinion. :crazy:

I will be monochrome CCD'ing soon mate. I'll be learning flats I guess.

Ray

[stevec]

Hi Ray

I suppose gradient exterminator might help if you don't have any flats but it's not a true substitute for a good real flat. It will flatten the field completely if you apply it aggressively enough but it could wind up distorting real data.

Also, if you don't have any vignetting you may not need flats at all and there are always sky flats.

Cheers

Steve

[trevorw]

I think I counted 27 galaxies in there

I've used gradient exterminator and it's good for flattening the background but don't use it agressively. As Steve mentioned flats are necessary but with CCD once you've got a collection you can basically use the same ones for all images

Also bias frames are important

[stevec]

I think I counted 27 galaxies in there

I've used gradient exterminator and it's good for flattening the background but don't use it agressively. As Steve mentioned flats are necessary but with CCD once you've got a collection you can basically use the same ones for all images

Also bias frames are important

Unless you change the position of the camera or some dust gets into the optical train. It may be overkill in some cases but every imager that I know takes new flats with every imaging session.

[A.S.I.G.N_Baz]

By gee you go deep don't you Steve? I just keep looking further and further into this image and try to imagine the immeasurable distances. Awesome photograph Steve.

Baz.

[Radar]

By gee you go deep don't you Steve?

He has surpassed the local group (http://seds.org/messier/more/local) mate. He sure does go deep.

Keep it coming Steve.:peace2:

Ray

[stevec]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. This galaxy cluster is about twice the distance of the Virgo cluster and I thought the amount of exposure was adequate. Some imagers go 2-3 times as long as this though. Another good southern galaxy cluster is in Antlia which I must have a go at some time.

Cheers

Steve

[Tony]

Great shot, thanks for telling us how!

cheers

[stevec]

Thanks Tony - glad you liked the image.

Cheers

Steve