M81/82 and NGCs 3077, 2976, 2959 and 2961

[R1k]

M81/82 and NGCs 3077, 2976, 2959, 2961

24/12/20

I like this image but I’m still struggling with odd stars, I think it’s collimation but could also be focuser tilt with my heavy DSLR hanging off it so scope will be heading back to TSO in the new year for a look.

Equipment:
- Skywatcher HEQ5-pro (Rowan Belt Mod)
- Canon 800d (modded)
- TS Optics Photoline 80mm Triplet 
- TS Optics 0.79x focal reducer/field flattener
- ZWO ASI-120MM-mini guide camera
- Skywatcher Evoguide 50ED guidescope
- 2 inch mounted Optolong L-Pro

Acquisition:
- Sharpcap polar alignment, ASCOM guiding/dithering with PHD2
- APT image acquisition
- Lights - 40 x 180s and 40 x 90s, ISO800 (180 minutes)
- Darks - 40
- Bias - 30
- Flats - 30

Processing:
- Raw files stacked in APP using algorithm adaptive airy disc 
- light pollution, background calibration and star colour calibration in APP
- stretch of data with star mask in PS
- saturation and vibrance 
- Topaz denoise