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Christmas Tree Nebula NGC 2264

The Christmas Tree Nebula in narrow band a lot more detail than a colour camera below. You also will note they are both very different telescopes Above is a Reflector and the tell tail spikes and below is a Refractor like a glass lens so no spikes.

Christmas Tree Nebula NGC 2264

This shot is made possible becasuse of the extra weight to balance the filter wheel and the markings on the focuser . This was an 80 degree rotation but the program told me the error was 79.58 for the requested 80 degrees. The next shot is also an even bigger rotation.

This shot was very long winded as it was cloudy early mornings and the Palm three next door getting in the way at 2 am. so the usual 5 night went out to 10 1/2 nights.

To give you an idea this is about an hours editing to build the different components then put it all together to make a Hubble background and RGB stars.

QHY183M -10c 100 Odd shots 5 min each filter over 10 nights .. 30 shots each RGB 1 min exposure.
QHYCFW3 and 7 Antlia filters LRGBSHaO
MeLE Mini PC
Pegasus Astro Pocket Mini power box
Starpoint Australis SP3 Focuser
Skywatcher 200 F4 PREMIUM PHOTO QUATTRO REFLECTOR OTA
Skywatcher F4 Aplanatic Coma Corrector
Skywatcher NEQ 6 Pro Hypertuned
SVbony 50MM Guide scope
QHY5L-II-M Guide camera
Guided PHD2, Nina
Pixinsight, Ps, Lr
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10 comments

Diana Australis said:

Simply gob smacking. You have no idea of how I admire your astrophotography …in total awe, Steve.
Happy week week ahead!
9 days ago

Steve Paxton replied to Diana Australis:

Thank you Diana I know I started very simple and its far more complicated as its gone along. It would have been a night mare to start here straight up but way better to have the 5 years of learning behind me. That does not mean I will learn nothing more as I already know it all. Far from it this is all new this is simple and logical but it is complicated.

This image has been build 10 times each morning and written down all the steps I did to get the image a Full page A4 refined as I went. I saw my mentors images and was in awe at them but I look at this and the few before, did I do that. Its satisfying to produce images like this and to be able to share. I am not under any idea that every body will look at this image I know most have NO idea just what they are looking at none the least what was involved in getting the shot. this would go over the heads of most on ipernity.

I am hearted that you are like me blown away with the shot I still cant believe it myself as I never thought I would ever get here. Humbly thanks and glad you enjoy the shot.
9 days ago

Chris Bowness said:

That's awesome Steve. A lot of work, but a visual feast.
9 days ago

Steve Paxton replied to Chris Bowness:

Chris I hope you come back and also read the above reply. yep its no easy way to take a photo but wow what a result even I am blown away.... In my opinion the effort put in is rewarded with the result why I also continue. I have one more shot with this camera then is a brand new ASP-C mono camera that I worked for as its way tooooooo expensive than a normal Nikon Camera. Stay tuned I have already done 10.6h of shot for the dark library but much more to go before there can be a first up shot..............................................................
9 days ago

William Sutherland said:

Incredible pair!
9 days ago ( translate )

Steve Paxton replied to William Sutherland:

Thank you.
8 days ago ( translate )

Mariagrazia Gaggero said:

wowwow!
9 days ago ( translate )

Steve Paxton replied to Mariagrazia Gaggero:

That about sums up space.
8 days ago ( translate )

tiabunna said:

Amazing work and great results, Steve.
8 days ago

Steve Paxton replied to tiabunna:

Thank you I can finally see the result of all the ground work. I am looking forward to this year.
8 days ago