Hicksons w/ Lodestar X2

[HiloDon]

I really enjoy viewing the Hickson Compact Groups of galaxies. The Lodestar x2 and Paul's Lodestar Live s/w make this possible. Here are some Hicksos I saw last night. Thanks to Martin and Nytecam for getting me hooked on Hicksons.

Don

[Paul81]

Superb - what kind of magnitude are these galaxies? It was my hope that sum stacking would be useful in helping resolve these really faint objects! 

[HiloDon]

Thanks, Paul. The mags on these range from 11.8 to 14.8. I have gotten some at mag 16-17 in the past with the Lodestar X2 and my 100mm ed refractor. LL didn't have the stacking feature then. There's no question that your sum stacking helps bring out the detail of these galaxies. One of my goals is to get HCG50 which has a mag 19.7 galaxy. I think with my 8", good skies and your LL s/w, I think I can get it. That's one of the things I enjoy about this hobby. There's always a new challenge.

Thanks for your dedication to astronomy and your great s/w.

Don

[nytecam]

Super!! results Don - aperture counts for good resolution - well done and keep 'em coming :-)

My earlier HGC 50 [currently poorly placed for me] via Lodestar-C manual 4min sum stack with faintest Hickson 50E gx mag 18.45 according to Wikisky/Sloan DSS - Mx2 should do it quicker   

[HiloDon]

Thanks, Nytecam. HCG 50 is getting poorly positioned for me, too, right now. I'll have to wait till next year. Nice shot of it with your setup. The Vogel guide has A at 18.4 and C at 19.7. Looks like you got them all.

Don

[HiloDon]

Sorry, I meant E was at 19.7.

Don