M63_HaLRGB_24-4-2020

I obtained completely new data for this object to see if I could improve on my previous image of M63. after wasting nearly 2 days working on this new data I realised that the results weren’t any better. I decided to run both the old and new data through the Deep Sky Stacker to compare and found that more than half the new RGB was inferior, I therefore decided to combine the best of the old and new data giving me 25 subs (not the 30 I wanted) of each channel, discarding over 45 of new RGB subs☹️. I also had to discard 20 of my new luminance subs, a reduction from 60 to 40.

I’m not sure if all the effort was worth it in the end as there is not much improvement on the core of the Galaxy but I have managed to squeeze out more of the fainter outer areas.

This hobby is becoming tough, I need to remember that its meant to be fun.

 

Object Description:-

M63, also known as NGC 5055 or the Sunflower Galaxy resides in the constellation Canes Venatici. The shape indicating a spiral form with no central bar and a loosely wound arms. From Earth Its has an apparent dimension of 12.6 x 7.2 arc sec and a visual mag of 9.3 and lies at distance of about 29 million LY.

 

EQUIPMENT:-

Telescope Meade 6000 115mm and AZ-EQ6 GT

ZWO ASI1600mm-Cool camera

Orion Mini Auto Guide

ZWO LRGB Filters

Chip Temp Cooled to -20 degC

 

IMAGING DETAILS:-

M63 Sunflower Galaxy(Canes Venatici)

Gain 139 (Unit Gain)

25 Red subs@180sec (1h 15min)

25Green subs@180sec (1h 15min)

25 Blue subs@180sec (1h 15min)

40 Lum subs@180sec (2h)

Total imaging Time 5 45min

Dithering

20 Darks

No Flats

 

PROCESSING/GUIDING SOFTWARE:-

APT "Astro Photograph Tools"

DSS

PS CS2

Done