Imaging sessions 14-15th Dec 2022

I decided to take advantage of the cool weather and predicted clear skies and set up both imaging rigs and chose a few targets to gather 4+ hours data on.

Smart Histogram in Sharpcap

Having pondered exposure times for some time, I decided to begin this imaging session with a Smart Histogram in Sharpcap (using the Esprit 120 and ZWO ASI533 and L-extreme filter)

There looked to be a little sky glow and the session was done around 7pm, so it was dark; there was also a 50% moon. Location is a typical Bortle 5 – suburban.

The exposure time reccomended was 357s.

I typically opt for 120s exposures, but I decided to go for 300s exposures on one of the targets, just to see.

IC1871 Rift in Soul Nebula

Imaging telescope: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120 840mm (f/7)
Imaging camera: ZWO ASI 533MC-PRO
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R PRO
Filters: Optolong L-extreme Dual Narrowband Filter,

Aquisition: ASIAir

Total Integration: 5hrs

Lights: 60 x 300″ (gain: 101 Bin: 1)

IC1396 Elephants Trunk Nebula

Imaging telescope: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120 840mm (f/7)
Imaging camera: ZWO ASI 533MC-PRO
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R PRO
Filters: Optolong L-extreme Dual Narrowband Filter,

Aquisition: ASIAir

Total Integration: 7hrs

Lights: 211 x 120″ (gain: 101 Bin: 1)

IC434 Horsehead Nebula

Imaging telescope: William Optics Zenithstar 61 APO 360mm (f/5.9)
Focal reducer: William Optics x0.8 Adjustable Reducer Flattener for ZS61
Imaging camera: ZWO ASI 183MC-PRO
Mount: iOptron CEM25P
Filters: Baader Neodymium Filter, Optolong L-eNhance Dual Narrowband Filter

Aquisition: ASIAir

Total Integration: 6hrs 52min

Lights: 206 x 120″ (gain: 101 Bin: 1)

I could tell it was cold as the cooling on the cameras was only at 6%… and the mount was a little frosty…