M87 and Leo Triplet 3rd March 13

[kirkster501]

Not an often posted but I did 20 mins on M87 early this morning - 3rd March - before packing up. I have always been fascinated with this galaxy. Not a particularly exciting subject visually but its more of what it actually is - the largest known object in the Universe with a mass of a trillion suns and a 10 Billion solar mass black hole in the centre and is 60 million light years away - the most distant of the Messiers by far (so I've read). This image is uncropped on my ED80 - I will have a go with my RC8 next time it is clear to get larger image scale. There are loads of small and faint galaxies in the background you'll see too. This image is nothing to write home about but unusual subject so I thought others may like to see it....

Also had a go at the Leo Triplet too. Stars look a little big on this to me. Any suggestions please as to why?

[Uplooker]

Well done Mr Kirkster. I am planning to have a go at the Leo triplet in the next few eeks, I would be please to achieve the results you have.

Ian

[badgerchap]

Copycat No, you've done much better than me, nice contrast and plenty of detail on that triplet

[kirkster501]

Copycat No, you've done much better than me, nice contrast and plenty of detail on that triplet

Lol The M87 was harder to be honest. Not much there on the picture. Just a fascinating galaxy. On my RC8 and a CCD I am sure it will be great.

[badgerchap]

You're getting a hint of the colour though, but maybe your RC will really bring the golden hue out.

[Jessun]

Nice images! Like a mini HDF there!

/Jesper

[earth titan]

Very nice. The Virgo cluster is a wonderful place to shoot, although in my images, nothing like yours shows up.

[Toxic Coolaid]

You have my interest on M87. I think I will have to shoot in that area soon. I't neat to learn the specs on an object like that. Thanks for the shots and explanation.

[stem1989]

Very nice capture, Its one of my spring targets also and Id be very happy with this!! Well done

[Gina]

Lovely Leo Triplet

[Dangerous-Dave]

Nice shots, M87 looks a bit lonesome there, but the triplet is a great shot. That set-up should be good for Markarian's chain.

[kirkster501]

Thanks. It's small and lonesome since its 60 million LY away and I used a ED80 with flattener/reducer so very wide field and the galaxy is small as a consequence. You can see lots of small galaxies on this shot, as I said in another thread.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andyo]

great leo triplet well done