NGC 6946: Fireworks Galaxy

[fort384]

This was a tough one... it is so close to the galactic plane, so all the stars and dust make processing a challenge.  I think it could have used a lot more time, and probably would benefit from the addition of some Ha data as well.  Holding the stars while trying to tease out the structure proved to be very difficult, and I am not satisfied with the result. Still, it is a massive improvement over the first time I imaged this galaxy, in the middle of summer with thermal noise in all its glory, with a DSLR and an 80ED.  Perhaps I will revisit it at some point and get more signal.  Still, all things considered a very sharp spiral galaxy with lots of Ha.

Date of Image: 10/25/14

Image Details:

Camera: SBIG STF-8300M

Scope: ES127ES

RGB Image

RED 8X600S, BIN 1X1

GREEN 8X600S, BIN 1X1

BLUE 8X600S, BIN 1X1

Calibrated and Integrated with bias, flats, darks.

Processed with PixInsight.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Nice one. H-alpha might well work. There is a lot of star formation going on in that galaxy

[lensman57]

This is not an easy target at all. You have done very well and should be proud of yourself. Great image.

A.G