M81 & M82 (not M51)

[Snoani]

With the weather forecast looking favourable, I set up on Friday night hoping for a full night of imaging M51.  However, despite doing the usual preparation in Stellarium, I somehow neglected to think about where I was setting up my mount in my garden and ended up with a holly tree located right between my scope and M51.  Therefore having already polar aligned I decided to switch targets instead of losing valuable imaging time.

I did lose just over an hour of light frames due to cloud, but the night was generally successful and what was better is that I was then blessed with an unexpected second full night of clear skies last night, so I was able to add to the data. 

 

  93 x 180s Lum, 40 x 180s Red, 40 x 180s Green, 38 x 180s Blue, 24 x 240s H-Alpha, captured using an ASI 1600MM Pro, Meade 6000 80mm, HEQ5 (belt mod), ASIAIR Pro.

I think that I may have been able to tease a little more detail out of M81 but I had already blown M82 a little too much so decided to leave it where it is.  It is certainly an improvement on my first attempt last year so I am happy.

Constructive feedback is always welcome.    

Jem

 

Edited March 7, 2021 by Snoani

[MartinB]

Very nice indeed Jem and good to have a result after your tribulations.  Don't worry, M51 isn't going away any time soon!!