x and h Persei

megapups

49417

Deep Sky

Jul 5th, 2026

299

NGC 869NGC 884

Resolution:: 3275x2183 px
File size:: 4470 KB

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Photo description / processing

Well, my script for stacking in Siril finally worked, but whether it's better than DSS remains to be seen. Anyway, this is just a re-shoot of the Double Cluster in Perseus. By the way, you can see a nebula near X Persei (the one on the right).

Technical information

Telescope/Lens: Sky-Watcher BKP 130/650
Camera: canon 550d
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ3 OnStep
Software: Siril, Pix, darktable

Location: Прага, Чехия

Light pollution

Red, Bortle 7 zone

Date taken: Jul 4th, 2026

Exposure

72 × 20″ · ISO/Gain: 800 · Jul 4th, 2026

Total exposure: 24 m

Comments

dmitryspn63

In my opinion, it turned out very well.

Jul 5th, 2026

megapupsReply to dmitryspn63

Thanks, and overall, after using the EK 3 with decent guiding, I realized that the EK 2 was in some ways even worse than a tripod. Sure, you can take longer subs, but often 60-70% of the imaging time could go to waste simply because of the EK 2. So I can advise you that if you're going to switch to a mount, I'd recommend going straight for a better one — I don't know, at least the Star Adventurer, or also go straight for the EK 3 on an OnStep. That will save you a lot of time and nerves.

Jul 5th, 2026

poppy8micro

Cyril stacks perfectly and, most importantly, for free) DSS is good but slow. Overall, Cyril is an excellent tool, it doesn't matter whether it's shot from a tripod or a mount. I think I'll shoot the Double Cluster again, but with a longer exposure — there's even background hydrogen there.

Jul 5th, 2026

megapupsReply to poppy8micro

Well, it's definitely about 3 times faster, and I wish you good luck with your hydrogen imaging ;)

Jul 5th, 2026