MarkariansChain_LRGB_3-3-2025

The last time I imaged Markarian's Chain was back in 2016 with my modified DSLR and was well over due for a revisit. After what seemed like months of cloudy nights I managed to image 3 objects over 4 nights. This is the last of object I took, the others are Leo Triplets and finishing of the Christmas Tree Nebula.

 

OBJECT DESCRIPTIONS:-

Markarian's Chain of galaxies forms part of the Virgo Cluster. This image contains numerous Galaxies arranged in a curve. These include:-

M84 (NGC 4374), M86 (NGC 4406), NGC 4477, NGC 4473, NGC 4461, NGC 4458, NGC 4438 and NGC 4435.

The last pair of interacting Galaxies are also known as the Eyes Galaxies. These Galaxies are between 50 & 60 Million Light years away.

 

EQUIPMENT:-

Explore Scientific 102mm F7 APO Carbon

Focal Reducer: Explore Scientific 0.7

Mount: AZ-EQ6 GT

ZWO ASI1600mm-Cool cmos camera

Orion Mini Auto Guide

ZWO L,R,G,B Filters

Chip Temp Cooled to -15 degC

 

IMAGING DETAILS:-

Markarian's Chain (Virgo Cluster)

Gain 139 (Unit Gain)

50 Lum subs@120sec (1h 40min)

30 Red subs@120sec (1h)

30 Green subs@120sec (1h)

30 Blue subs@120sec (1h)

Total imaging Time 4h 40min

Dithering

20 Darks

20 Flats

 

PROCESSING/GUIDING SOFTWARE:-

N.I.N.A

PHD2

DSS

GraXpert AI

StarNet++

Siril

Affinity photo 2

Done