The Graham Observatory

Linneus, Missouri 64653 USA
39' 52" 26.148N - 93' 10" 57.288W - 249m

*** Astrophotography ***

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This web page will change formats as I accumulate other objects. Seperate areas will be devoted to Galaxies, Nebula, Clusters, etc. Please check back in the future. I will add more photos as time and weather permits. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Image acqisition: Manual, ACP, CCDAutoPilot.

Processing of all images done in one or more of the following: CCDStack, MaxIM/DL CCD, CCDSoft 5, Photoshop CS2.

-Scott

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August 04, 2006: First successful photo - M29 Dumbell Nebula (CYG)

Skies were unsteady, partial moon, high humidity. This is not the best image, but not bad for a start.

Astro-Physics 155EDFs f/7 - ST-10XME+CFW10+Astrodon Filters
LRGB Image:
L = 6 @ 600s 1x1 - SUM Combined
RGB = 6 each @ 120s 2x2 - Mean Combined (Average)
Sized in Photoshop CS2

August 13, 2006: M8 Lagoon Nebula (SAG)

As usual in the summer months, high humidity and unsteady skies.

Astro-Physics 155EDFs f/7 - ST-10XME+CFW10+Astrodon Filters
LRGB Image:
L=6 @ 240s 1x1 - SUM Combined
RGB = 6 @ 60s 2x2 Mean Combined (Average)
Sized in Photoshop CS2

August 27,2006: NGC6946 Spiral Galaxy (CEP-CYG)

This image requires over 10 hours L exposure with a 16" telescope. This was just a trial image to see what I could get with a 6" refractor.

Astro-Physics 155EDFs f/7 - ST-10XME+CFW10+Astrodon Filters
LRGB Image:
L = 24 @ 600s 1x1 SUM Combined
RGB = 6 @ 600s 2x2 Mean Combined (Average)
Cropped and sized in Photoshop CS2

September 03, 2006: M56 Globular Cluster (LYR)

The skies are very hazy, and the moon is close to full. Many clouds passing by as storm fronts pass through. This image was a trial with the AP field flattener removed from the telescope. I have been experiencing coma in the corners due to an improper spacing of the FF and the CCD.

Astro-Physics 155EDFs f/7 - ST-10XME+CFW10+Astrodon Filters
L Image:
L = 7 @ 300s 1x1 SUM Combined
Cropped and sized in Photoshop CS2

September 25, 2006: NGC 281 Pac-Man Nebula (CAS)

Completed 3 nights of imaging on this object. Skies range from hazy/humid to cold/clear. This image could use more L. The color is true to the exposure. No color adjustments have been made. The image still looks too red to me.

Astro-Physics 155EDFs f/7 - ST-10XME+CFW10+Astrodon Filters
LRGB Image:
L = 37 @ 600s 1x1 SUM Combined
RGB = 5 @ 300s 2x2 Mean Combined (Average)
Minor curves and levels adjustment in Photoshop CS2

September 30, 2006: M33 Triangulum Galaxy (TRI)

Rough draft of M33 over 3 nights. The skies were mostly clear to slightly unsteady. This image will require more L and RGB time.

Astro-Physics 155EDFs f/7 - ST-10XME+CFW10+Astrodon Filters
LRGB Image:
L = 26 @ 600s 1x1 SUM Combined
RGB = 14 @ 300s 2x2 Mean Combined (Average)
Minor levels & color balance adjustment in Photoshop CS2