Colorful Elephant's Trunk (IC1396A)

[AstroScience]

Hi guys,
want to share with you this colorful, closeup rendition of this well-known molecular cloud called Elephant's Trunk nebula.
Imaged during two nights in July 2017. Actually it was also a first light for QSI 660 wsg-8 camera paired with my GSO 8" RC scope. What I can tell, just love this camera, very low readnoise, very low dark current and very well made body matching highest standards.
This is the LRGB version with 10 hours and 36 minutes of exposure with only 72 minutes for each color binned 2x2. Higher resolution and rest of the data can be found here:

http://www.myastroscience.com/elephantstrunk



Thank you!

[RickS]

Great detail and colour, Sergio!

[Alejandro Tombolini]

It sound interesting that camera. Congrats for its first light, beautiful image.

[AstroScience]

Rick and Alejandro, thank you!

[kayronjm]

Wonderful image!! I use the same camera and I also have a GSO 8" RC telescope. Was your image captured with a focal reducer? I'm thinking about using my telescope at its native 1625mm but am not certain yet. I have an Astro Physics CCDT67 Telecompressor. Any thoughts or experiences using this telescope at its native 1625mm?

[AstroScience]

Thank you, Kayron,
yes, I used CCDT67 reducer at x0.65 reduction which made my scope to run at F5.2 (1061mm). I would't push it further, the reduced field is just enough for this chip.

[kayronjm]

Thank you, Kayron,
yes, I used CCDT67 reducer at x0.65 reduction which made my scope to run at F5.2 (1061mm). I would't push it further, the reduced field is just enough for this chip.

Excellent! I was wondering though, have you tried the telescope at 1625mm? If so, what are your thoughts? I quite like the field of view at its native f/8. I image remotely under extremely dark skies so I can certainly dedicate imaging time per target.

[AstroScience]

Not yet, but I'm planning to, when the galaxy season comes.  With 0.57 arcsec/p at native should be fine!

[kayronjm]

Not yet, but I'm planning to, when the galaxy season comes.  With 0.57 arcsec/p at native should be fine!

Nice! I'll be happy to read your thoughts and see your images imaging at f/8.

[AstroScience]

Sure, just need to wait for the right opportunity