First Guided Image – Flame Nebula and Horsehead Nebula – January 9, 2010
It was very, very, cold on Saturday night, but it was also very clear. I have been wanting to take some time to try out my new StarShoot Autoguider that I got for Christmas, and it is pretty cool. I still have somethings to learn about it but these are the first 5 minute exposures I have been able to take.
Since a few weeks ago I got my first views of the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) and the Horsehead Nebula (IC 434) I decide to try and get an image of this area through my AT66ED using my Nikon D60 at Prime focus and here is what I ended up with:
Flame Nebula and Horsehead Nebula - 7 x 5 minutes, ISO800
1/9/2010 – Suffolk, VA
Flame Nebula – NGC 2024
Horsehead Nebula – IC 434
Camera: Nikon D60 Prime Focus – ISO800
Scope: AT66ED
Focal Length: 400mm
Exposure: 7 x 5 minutes
Guided: PHD Guiding
Stacked with DeepSky Stacker 3.3.2
The flickr page for this image can be found here.
I think it turned out pretty good. You can still see some movement in the stars but compared to previous unguided exposures I think they look awesome. I took nine 5 minute exposures and 7 of them were good enough to stack, unguided I usually end up with about half of even my 2 minute exposures no good for stacking. I am looking forward to learning more about the guiding software and getting even longer exposures.
Tonight is suppose to be cool and clear also so I hope to get out and have another look around.
