Star Watcher
M81 and M82
Although not really considered part of the 'spring galaxies' retinue this is an excellent time of year to image or observe this wonderful, contrasting, pair of galaxies as they are at zenith for us mid-northern latitude observers.
This is really a rescued image as the ccd camera misted over several frames into the run. It forced me to try new software to stack with as DeepSkyStacker did a very poor job (with admittedly poor data).
So this is my first attempt with Astro Pixel Processor and although I am a huge way from understanding it, it did produce a workable image for me despite endlessly telling me the image would not be properly calibrated.
7 (of 10) 10 minute exposures plus flats.
Stacked with Astro Pixel Processor. Finished in Photoshop (absolutely necessary in my opinion).
Skywatcher 25cm Quattro. Skywatcher EQ6 mount.QHY8L CCD camera at -25c. 80mm autoguider with QHY5ii and PHD2. APT to capture and frame.
M81 and M82
Although not really considered part of the 'spring galaxies' retinue this is an excellent time of year to image or observe this wonderful, contrasting, pair of galaxies as they are at zenith for us mid-northern latitude observers.
This is really a rescued image as the ccd camera misted over several frames into the run. It forced me to try new software to stack with as DeepSkyStacker did a very poor job (with admittedly poor data).
So this is my first attempt with Astro Pixel Processor and although I am a huge way from understanding it, it did produce a workable image for me despite endlessly telling me the image would not be properly calibrated.
7 (of 10) 10 minute exposures plus flats.
Stacked with Astro Pixel Processor. Finished in Photoshop (absolutely necessary in my opinion).
Skywatcher 25cm Quattro. Skywatcher EQ6 mount.QHY8L CCD camera at -25c. 80mm autoguider with QHY5ii and PHD2. APT to capture and frame.