M51L-Ha/R-G-b 2012 finished

[MikeD]

Finally got the last of the data to complete this image with all new data.

So we have .......

L = 107 x 300 seconds

Ha = 8 x 900 seconds

R = 23 x 300 seconds

G = 21 x 300 seconds

B = 21 x 300 seconds

A total of around 16.5 hours at the scope.

All shot over the last week.

Thaken through my skywatcher 10" f4 newt and starlight express HX916 CCD in Swindon with no LP filter.

Time to move on to another galaxy, although I do love imaging M51 as it has so much detail to give up.

Mike.

[Digz]

WOW!!!

A lot of data, and a lot going on. Can even see some feint fuzzies in the background.

A lovely image!!

[inkpen]

That's beautiful. Thanks for sharing it!

[Jessun]

I see why you love this one, and it sure paid off! Fantastic detail, and the background looks superb! I envy you your skills and I can stare at this for a looong time :-)

Thanks for the inspiraton!

[Uranium235]

Aye carumba!! Thats good!

[Auntystatic]

You can see in this image why the professionals believe they are 2 separate galaxies, excellent image.

[Ant]

107 x 300s for Lum - wow that's a lot of time. But you can see the benefit.

That is fantastic Mike.

Sets the bar very high.

Ant

[MikeD]

Thanks guys,

Ant, I set the scope running after dark, pier flip at around midnight and then go to bed, the subs soon add up.

Mike.

[morimarty]

A beautiful M51 Mike, This Image Should Be a Great Advert For All S/W Reflectors. 16.5 hours Very Well Spent

[Black Knight]

Whoa, that's a stunner! How do you manage in Swindon with no LP filter! I always have to use one

[MikeD]

My main weapons against LP are a camping mat dew shield to help stop direct intrusion and mixing Ha data with the red data 50/50 to cut back the LP.

The only other thing I do is to only image LRGB on the cleanest nights.

Mike.

[Quatermass]

Mama Mea! That is Magnifico such lovely detail in there brilliant.

[Aris Panagiotopoulos]

Wow...That's a WOW!!!

[Shibby]

Fantastic and whirley!

[SteveA]

....I'm so depressed!

Amazing stuff as usuall Mike...

I know what I'm doing this weekend!

[Spikey]

Excellent work and a great scale you have there.

[Black Knight]

My main weapons against LP are a camping mat dew shield to help stop direct intrusion and mixing Ha data with the red data 50/50 to cut back the LP.

The only other thing I do is to only image LRGB on the cleanest nights.

Mike.

Thanks Mike. I use a DSLR at the moment, but I shall have to remember that when (if) I get around to HaLRGB imaging

[peter shah]

Missed this one mike....been so many great images over the sunny spell....and this one is superb

[Gina]

That's a really wonderful image - well done - so beautiful

M51 is unique, with oodles of depth and detail and with the secondary galaxy, it really is a wonderful subject for AP

[MikeD]

Prompted by Ollys stunning rendition of M51, I just had to go back to this data and crank up the colour saturation.

If you haven't seen Olly's M51 it's a must see image.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery:icon_salut:

Mike.

[Beyond_Vision]

Considering your location Mike that is just fantastic, just think what you could do with Olly's dark skies .

Really nicely taken and processed MIke

Regards

Kevin

[MikeD]

Thanks Kevin, one day I hope to find out.

Mike.

[Tom OD]

Magnificent image. And from a town / City with no LP filter. 16.5hrs, hats off, well done and I'll bet you're proud of this. Glad you boosted the Sat too, with that much RGB it should be no problem.

Tom.

[ollypenrice]

Mike, your galaxy imaging needs no help from me! This has all your hallmarks of impeccable background sky and unforced, 'invisible' processing. I do think the colour boost is a plus and has had no ill effect on the noise or natural feel of the image. Seeing yours I want to soften mine and reduce the saturation.

Nobody does galaxies better than you.

Olly

[Keiran]

Looks amazing, and that is a whole load of hours.