Taking a break from the summertime nebulae, I focused on the Fireworks Galaxy for three nights. I had to work through some issues with astigmatism that I found out was due to my secondary dew heater. So one night’s data wasn’t superb, but it all averaged out in the end. The flats also were not working perfectly; the flat field was not truly flat across the frame. I will get a second studio light so that I can evenly illuminate my flat panel.
Considering all of those little problems that can get frustrating along the way, I am quite happy with the result.
If you would like an example of why all of this expensive equipment and extra effort is worth it, check out my attempt last year with just a dobsonian and a DSLR.
