Category Archives: Deep Sky

Objects that are outside our Solar system

Messier 81 and Messier 82 – a classic pairing

Making the most of my improved guiding I have been using the big 250mm Newt to image some classic galaxies: This is a combination of several partial sessions that I had to stop for one reason or another. 10hrs split … Continue reading

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NGC 891, an edge on galaxy in Andromeda

Broadband imaging is already tricky in the suburbs but I perhaps didn’t help myself by trying to image this lovely galaxy with an almost full moon chasing it across the sky and haze. But still, for 4 hrs of data … Continue reading

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M103 – A small, bright, open cluster in Casseopeia

Captured while waiting for M1 to clear some trees. This is an ideal target for a quick imaging session. 1.5hrs of RGB imaged with the ASI1600 on my 250mm Newtonian. Simple stacking a processing in Pixinsight. On this occasion I … Continue reading

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M1: The Crab Nebula in Taurus in SHO

I first imaged this supernova remnant back in 2005 using a modified web-cam. I tried again is 2012 with a DSLR: I was very pleased with the results then but my recent efforts (Dec 2021) are significantly better as they … Continue reading

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The Horsehead nebula in Orion – (Barnard 33, in the region of IC 434)

This is a tricky target from my back yard, I only have about a 50-minute window between some trees to capture this. Imaged on a windy night the stars are not a great shape but I can live with that. … Continue reading

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7-Sisters, The Pleiades Cluster, Messier 45

This is the bright 7-Sisters star cluster in Taurus visible high in the winter northern skies. This is a target that has been long on my list of failures – results have previously been poor with not having the right … Continue reading

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Comparison of ZWO 7nm Oiii (2018 version) versus Baader 6.5nm Narrow Band OIII Filter – CMOS Optimised (2021)

Earlier this year purchased a ZWO ASI1600mm Pro + 36mm 7-position filter-wheel complete with the LRGBNB filter set. The ZWO filters represent very good value and I have had a lot of fun with them. However, of the set the … Continue reading

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The Crescent Nebula NGC6888

This is was my first image of the 2021 season after a long break. It’s the result of two nights of roughly 1hr total for LRGB, 2hrs Ha and 5hrs Oiii.  I’ve been practicing with methods to combine the images… LRGB subs … Continue reading

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The Wizard Nebula NGC7380 in HOO

This is the Wizard Nebula. I’m told it is supposed to look like a wizard in a pointed hat and gown with open arms. I imaged this over two nights under very bad weather conditions and a bright moon. I … Continue reading

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The Cocoon Nebula IC5146

After cleaning and correctly(!) fitting my LRGB filters I decided to go a for a bright broadband target. Clouds, moon and poor seeing did not help but I managed about 45 mins each for RGB and Ha – shot with the ASI1600mm. … Continue reading

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