Milky Way - attempt #2

This time using stacked images.

9 light frames, and 5 dark frames, stacked with Deep Sky Stacker.

It didn't seem to handle the right side of the image too well.

Canon 5DII + Canon EF 70-200/2.8L IS @ f/2.8, 70mm. ISO 1600, 15 sec exposures.

View all photos taken: Thursday, 17th September 2009, This photo: 9:29pm

Comments

  • SkattyKat said:
    Amazing David - just goes to show how much light we have in the suburbs - the sky never looks anywhere near this good.....
  • Thea M said:
    I love stargazing.
  • Millisynth said:
    This is a great shot! So clear!
  • anitabromley said:
    I like it! For those that don't know (me!) what's reason behind stacking images rather than long exp? And how is it done?
  • Richard.Fisher said:
    Nice shot David. While you're answering Anita's question, do you mind letting us know what you mean by light and dark frames (presumably long and short exposures) and why that's beneficial?
  • apurdam (Andrew) said:
    David will correct me, but I thought stacking meant you got points rather than streaks.
    I would like to try that (I imagine the concept works for landscapes and reducing the effects of cloud as well), but I don't know what Dave means by light frames and dark frames.
    Also, Dave (whilst where stacking questions as well) does Deep Sky Tracker do the alignment and rotation for you as well? (or at least attempt to do so...?)
    I think that's two more questions...
  • David de Groot said:
    Yeah, Brisbane sucks for looking at the sky, but apparently you can still see a fair bit with a telescope.
    Indeed - 'tis quite impressive to be outside staring at the sky on a moonless night.
    Thanks Milli :)
    Yes, Andrew has it right. The idea of stacking is you can take shorter exposures and thus get pin point stars rather than star trails, and with enough images get some decent detail as well.
    Light frames are shots with stars in them, the ones you want to keep, dark frames are shots taken under the same conditions but with the lens cap on. They're used for noise control and artefact deletion.
    Yes Andrew, DSS attempts to align the images for you, and does a reasonably job of it from what I've seen. Obviously combined with a tracking mount, you'd get some impressive images, but I don't have one of those.