M57 [Ring] central stars in 1sec - 90sec

[nytecam]

My first shots this spring of the Ring Nebula last night and experiment to see how brief an exposure would record the central stars that visual observers struggle to see.  Used my Meade 30cm LX200 @ f/4 + SX Lodestar-Mx2 camera in exposures from 1sec to 90sec in exposure steps of 1s/ 3s/ 6s/ 30s/ 60s/ 90s.  The main shot enhanced to show faint gx in the Ring's field.

1s  = central star ok but nearby fainter companion iffy!

3s  - 90s = both stars recorded + others within the Ring itself.

60s blows out the Ring

90s massively blows out the Ring

Hope its of interest in highlighting the sensitivity of modern Sony chipped cameras ;-).

[davedownsouth]

Interesting, but is this just not a case of if you did not stretch the 60 & 90 shots as much, the ring would not be blown out and you would have lovely dark backgrounds?

[nytecam]

Don't think so - the raw histogram of the 60s and thus 90s [=30s+60s] was blown - these cameras are REALLY FAST and London LP unhelpful  [i can see the Post Office Tower from home!] and not darkest Alton on the A31 but I'm happy