Last Live Stacks of 2019

[BlackWikkett]

One final clear night before the end of the decade. Had clear dark skies after the sliver of moon set but gusty wind shut down the viewing about 2 AM on 12/31. PHD2 was correcting fine until wind gust reached the 20+ MPH. Created new set of master dark frames 50 x 30 seconds 300 gain 10 brightness. These seem to help with the level of noise in the relatively short exposures and stack count. Follow any of the image links to my Flickr page for more information on each image.

It's been a great 2019 and I've had great times with SharpCap and refining my process of getting images with short capture times and very short amount of processing. Looking ahead to 2020 I hope to try narrow band imaging. The goal for me is to try to adapt what I do with OSC images to the mono narrow band work flow.

I hope all of you have had a great 2019 and Happy New Year!
-Chris

Equipment:
RC 6 with Astro-Physics CCDT67 reducer. This steps down from f/8 1300 mm to f/6.7 1032 mm
IDAS D1 LPS filter
ZWO ASI294 MC Pro -10c exposures 30 seconds at 300 gain 10 brightness
Using master flat and dark
SharpCap v3.2.6128 Live Stacking
iOptron CEM60 mount
Stellarvue 50mm Guide Scope with ZWO ASI290 MM guide camera

M1 PS Edit Stack_60frames_1800s_WithDisplayStretch by Black Wikkett, on Flickr

NGC2244 PS Edit Stack_125frames_3750s_WithDisplayStretch by Black Wikkett, on Flickr

NGC2264 PS Edit Stack_71frames_1840s_WithDisplayStretch by Black Wikkett, on Flickr

M82 PS Edit Stack_62frames_1860s_WithDisplayStretch by Black Wikkett, on Flickr

M81 PS Edit Stack_90frames_2700s_WithDisplayStretch by Black Wikkett, on Flickr

NGC1977 PS Edit Stack_108frames_2718s_WithDisplayStretch by Black Wikkett, on Flickr

[turfpit]

Chris

A good set to round off the year. I particularly like the Rosette and Running Man. I think all your images have been good value for 30s exposures. Have a great 2020 and good luck with the narrow band project.

Dave

[BlackWikkett]

Thanks Dave. Now just need the weather to cooperate.

-Chris

[nexusjeep]

As always a nice set of images one day I will get to see the sky again happy 2020.

Cheers
Nick

[umasscrew39]

Nice final collection for 2019, Chris. The 294 has turned out to be a winner for a lot of us.

Narrowband is a lot of fun and lots of options. The 1600MM Pro has worked really well for me and I hope to do some palette work again. What mono cam do you have?

Bruce

[BlackWikkett]

@Bruce

Right now have ZWO 120mm and 290mm both used for guiding on different rigs. I'll be purchasing a new Mono camera and right now it's looking like ZWO 1600 and EFW or the ZWO 1600GT with the built in EFW. With the telescopes I have and image circle I can cover this seems to be the best choice for me. Don't really see anything else in the price range unless I go used. I've had really good luck with ZWO and like to stick with what I know. Suggestions welcome though.

-Chris

[umasscrew39]

Well, I sold all of my SX cameras and switched to ZWO and the 1600mm Pro has been excellent for me and it is one of the most popular CMOS cameras out on the market. I think you would hard pressed to beat it for the price. I also have both the ZWO EFW but only use it on my hyperstar. I use the SX mini-filter wheel with the built in OAG for my regular setup at f/7 or f/10. I it very well built, cost-effective, uses limited spacing so you can add focal reducers and Terry gives great support for his company products (I have met him in person at his shop in the UK, very nice guy).