260913 - Milky Way core
ASTRO:
type=starscape
mag=(high)
const=(var.)
dist=27,000 ly
size= ~45,000 ly
IMAGE:
location=Marathon SkyPark, Marathon, Texas, USA
BrtlCls=1
moon=1% WxCr
exposure=DSLR OSC, 180x20s (1.0h), ISO1600
palette=RGB
EQUIPMENT:
optics=Nk 18-105 Kit Zoom, FL=24mm, f/3.6
camera=Nikon D7200 (stk)
filter=(none)
mount=simple, fixed tripod
guiding=(none)
SOFTWARE:
acquisition=(in camera)
processing=PixInsight (RC Astro, SetiAstro), Photoshop (Lumenzia, APF-R), LrC
click image to enlarge
IMAGER'S COMMENTS:
At the time of this capture, nine (9) years have passed since your host attempted to catch a wide-angle starscape with nothing more than a simple stock DSLR camera mounted on a fixed tripod. A new, and much more technically advanced Nikon D7200 DSLR replaces the trusty old D90 (...which had recently failed due to old age). Needless to say, we were well past-due.
But with that said, memory distinctly recalls those early days of self doubt when trying to learn how to capture multiple sub-frames for stacking... "Is this REALLY the way to do this? How many do I need? ...Surely 5 or 10 should be enough, right? And, why are Dark frames needed anyway?"
All those early-on questions came flooding back as we relaxed in our lounger chair and began clicking-off subs. With 9 years of perfected techniques tucked securely inside our "tool-belt", the effort came much more naturally than it did 9 years ago. The simplicity of this new camera made it easy to setup and tear-down; and, no collection of calibration frames made for quick and easy stacking. Where 9 years ago we might have allowed our doubts to divert us away from our plan and resort to collecting only 1 or 2 exposures; confidence reigned in this effort as we clicked-off 189 exposures for stacking. When we got home and started processing, 9 were discarded for being too off-centered, or 'shaken' due to wind.
At the end of the day, this possibly might be the most detailed, best quality starscape image of the Milky Way core ever captured by this amateur. ...And giving credit where due, the dark skies of Marathon, TX played a huge role too. There's no substitute or shortcut or special technique that can make-up for dark skies.
That said, there's also simply no more interesting area in our northern skies than the Milky Way core. Most of the large structures and objects that exist there can be seen in this image. Here is a list of just a few...
These are among the most sought-after targets in our Northern Hemisphere skies for amateur astrophotographers trying to fill-out their galleries. Our fun-challenge to visitors is to try and pick a few of them out of this image...
This experience really brought your host "back to his roots".
At the time of this capture, nine (9) years have passed since your host attempted to catch a wide-angle starscape with nothing more than a simple stock DSLR camera mounted on a fixed tripod. A new, and much more technically advanced Nikon D7200 DSLR replaces the trusty old D90 (...which had recently failed due to old age). Needless to say, we were well past-due.
But with that said, memory distinctly recalls those early days of self doubt when trying to learn how to capture multiple sub-frames for stacking... "Is this REALLY the way to do this? How many do I need? ...Surely 5 or 10 should be enough, right? And, why are Dark frames needed anyway?"
All those early-on questions came flooding back as we relaxed in our lounger chair and began clicking-off subs. With 9 years of perfected techniques tucked securely inside our "tool-belt", the effort came much more naturally than it did 9 years ago. The simplicity of this new camera made it easy to setup and tear-down; and, no collection of calibration frames made for quick and easy stacking. Where 9 years ago we might have allowed our doubts to divert us away from our plan and resort to collecting only 1 or 2 exposures; confidence reigned in this effort as we clicked-off 189 exposures for stacking. When we got home and started processing, 9 were discarded for being too off-centered, or 'shaken' due to wind.
At the end of the day, this possibly might be the most detailed, best quality starscape image of the Milky Way core ever captured by this amateur. ...And giving credit where due, the dark skies of Marathon, TX played a huge role too. There's no substitute or shortcut or special technique that can make-up for dark skies.
That said, there's also simply no more interesting area in our northern skies than the Milky Way core. Most of the large structures and objects that exist there can be seen in this image. Here is a list of just a few...
- Scorpio constellation (tail portion)
- Sagittarius "Tea Pot" asterism
- M4 - "Crab" globular star cluster
- M6 - "Butterfly" star cluster
- M7 - "Ptolemy's" star cluster
- M8 - "Lagoon" nebula
- M16 - "Eagle" nebula << w/ "Pillars of Creation" (not visible)
- M17 - "Omega" nebula
- M20 - "Trifid" nebula
- M22 - "Great Sagittarius" globular star cluster
- M24 - Small Sagittarius star cloud
- Dark Horse nebula
- Antares - Red Super Giant star
- Rho-Ophiuchi cloud complex (eastern portion)
These are among the most sought-after targets in our Northern Hemisphere skies for amateur astrophotographers trying to fill-out their galleries. Our fun-challenge to visitors is to try and pick a few of them out of this image...
This experience really brought your host "back to his roots".