Progress with M31

[Stub Mandrel]

I'm finally beginning to get somewhere with the andromeda galaxy. At least last night's subs were in focus!

This is a stack of 40 60-second subs using a 400mm lens (cropped slightly. I think polar alignment wasn't quite perfect, I should have re-done it after swapping the big scope for the small scope & camera combo, but stars are reasonably round (by my standards).

The moon meant 120 second subs were out, and I've still got a fair bit of LP, which means the contrast isn't as good as it should be. Somehow I can only find 30 and 120 seconds darks, I was sure I took 60s ones, and I think that part of the reason for the streaking. Still I feel this represents some real progress.

Oops - it would help if I put the picture in...

[laudropb]

Definitely coming along well.