This project was initiated in the summer of 2023 and is the first official AL observing program that I undertook. It was originally submitted on July 20th, 2023, with 52 objects. The list contains 3 of the AL Challenge Object List: NGC 4147, NGC 5053 and NGC 5466.
The Shapley Cluster Classifications are my estimates. Where my estimate differed from published values, I noted the published values in parenthesis. My estimates were correct 41% of the time. I was within +/- 1 75% of the time and +/- 2 89%. The clusters that proved most difficult were the small angular diameter clusters. My scope and camera setup just did not have enough focal length to be able to resolve these clusters to the point that I could accurately estimate their concentration classifications.
All image data collected was captured by a CMOS camera using live stacking with SharpCap 4.0. Post processing was limited to converting the color images to black and white and inverting them. This was all done through Photoshop. The final image was cropped square to fit the format of the log better. The image sizes are all the same, 3672 by 3672 pixels. This gives the benefit of maintaining the relative object sizes for an observer. The field of view of the final cropped image is 53 x 53 arcminutes, or just under 1 square degree.
The decision to convert the images to black and white and to invert them was made for two reasons, the first was practical as it reduced the overall file size of the logbook which would facilitate the submission of it. The second reason was that it made the fainter, more distributed clusters stand out more. The final effect of this decision was the production of an old school photographic plate type appearance which I very much liked.
Astro-Shed 