M3 - A Ball of Blue Ice

[wrather1]

My first attempt at this object. My focus was not perfect; I'm still learning the Stiletto Mark IV device. I promise next one will be better.

(click to enlarge)

Scope: TMB 130SS Triplet Apochromatic Refractor

Camera: Canon 30D with Hutech modification

Mount: SynScan EQ6PRO

Guider: ZenithStar 66 ED Petzval refractor with Meade DSI, PHD software and an old Compaq laptop

Exposures: 23 subs @ 90 sec. (ISO200), darks and flats applied, stacked with Deep Sky Stacker, adjusted with Adobe PS2

[The Warthog]

Very nice! I have seen this one. Good work.

[steppenwolf]

Well, its a good start - just nail that focus! If possible, download a continuous stream of images as high compression JPEGc (for speed) while adjusting the focus until it appears correct on the PC screen - sadly there is no substitute for this!