M4 in Scorpius

CCD vs Film? Lots of time vs no patience? Alright, this is your place to discuss all the astrophotography what's and what's not. You can discuss about techniques, accessories, cameras, whatever....just make sure you also post some nice photos here too!
Post Reply
rifleman175
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2018 5:16 pm
Favourite scope: Skywatcher Esprit 100ED

M4 in Scorpius

Post by rifleman175 »

This is my first attempt at capturing a globular cluster at long focal length with my C8 EdgeHD, as well as the first light from the new ZWO ASI533MC Pro under a thin crescent Moon (17% illuminated) and I am pretty impressed with the results! I chose Messier 4 as this is one of the most prominent globular clusters that the southern skies have to offer under the barrage of light pollution from the CBD relative to my location in Sengkang.

Telescope: C8 EdgeHD
Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Filter: Optolong L-Pro

Light: 159x30s
Dark: 50
Flat: 50
Bias: 40

Image

Plate-solved image:

Image

Object location:

Image Image

In terms of post-processing, I had some difficulties in getting rid of the green bias in the fainter stars in the cluster as a result of the RGGB bayer matrix in colour cameras. I finally resorted to creating a star mask for these faint stars and adjusting the colour balance to my liking of a bluish tint, although their true colours would be closer to red since most stars in a globular cluster are red dwarfs.

You may also find the image on my Astrobin site at https://www.astrobin.com/txfgsc/

Any feedback are welcome! Clear skies everyone~
hhzhang
Posts: 730
Joined: Sun May 10, 2020 4:11 pm
Favourite scope: 115mm APO

Re: M4 in Scorpius

Post by hhzhang »

Beautiful!
celeron787
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2020 2:30 pm

Re: M4 in Scorpius

Post by celeron787 »

Nice and sharp stars and colors!
rifleman175
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2018 5:16 pm
Favourite scope: Skywatcher Esprit 100ED

Re: M4 in Scorpius

Post by rifleman175 »

hhzhang wrote: Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:26 amBeautiful!
Thanks!
rifleman175
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2018 5:16 pm
Favourite scope: Skywatcher Esprit 100ED

Re: M4 in Scorpius

Post by rifleman175 »

celeron787 wrote: Sat Aug 01, 2020 12:25 pm Nice and sharp stars and colors!
Thanks!
User avatar
Airconvent
Super Moderator
Posts: 5784
Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2003 11:49 pm
Location: United Federation of the Planets

Re: M4 in Scorpius

Post by Airconvent »

Nice effort! I like the superimposed guide too :)
The Boldly Go Where No Meade Has Gone Before
Captain, RSS Enterprise NCC1701R
United Federation of the Planets
Post Reply