M42 was one of my first targets when I began astroimaging. I remember being pleased with
the result but disappointed I could not do better. A new OTA is giving a whole new perspective of old targets and what better place to start but at the beginning.
After 6 nights of imaging, it seemed like I had enough data to stack and I am pleased with the result. Very happy the OTA picked up dark nebula in the field so easily. Improved image proofing using Subframe Selector is the only real improvement to my usual workflow. The other big change, OTA aside, is image acquisition scripting using APT. The program allows for complete hands off plate solve GOTO, guiding, flipping target changing and parking from one app.
I decided to stack images of the core for reduced noise over a single frame and after taking 5 second, 1 second and half second exposures, only the half seconds showed the Trapezium in sufficient detail. Core overlay was done in PhotoShop and I decided to darken the area only enough to see the Trapezium for added realism.
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