M101 from Les Granges

[MartinB]

Just got back from chez Olly at Les Granges. I have so much data on my laptop it's nearly too heavy to pick up. What an amazing place Olly has there. I will do a little review tomorrow but here is a rushed process of M101 taken with Olly's lovely 140 TEC.

Camera QSI 532

Lum 12x 900secs (plain ir blocking filter)

R+G 12 x 140 secs B 12 x 210 secs binned x2

This would have had more time but I was so absorbed with observing through Olly's 20" dob that I forgot I'd only set a 12 exposure sequence in Maxim! Will add some Ha when I get the chance as well a more measured process (it could certainly stand quite a bit more sharpening).

[GazOC]

Very nice mate.

[Doc]

You must have thought you had died and gone to heaven Martin.

[MartinB]

Here it is a bit sharper. Going cross eyed now so need to stop.

[RobH]

If that's a rushed process, the next one will be a killer Martin

Very fine result.

I look forward to more images and the write-up.

Welcome back.

Rob

[Ant]

I wondered where you got clear skies from

What a lovely image Martin. Fantastic!

Ant

[GazOC]

Is the TEC 140 as good as everyone says?

[barkis]

No doubt you've had a great time Martin.

Aint life Les Granges .

Hope we see more of what you Imaged whilst there.

Ron.

[Doc]

Is the TEC 140 as good as everyone says?

TEC 140 APO v AYO 6" ED APO both about the same price. I know which one i would get

[Beyond_Vision]

It sounds like you had a fantastic trip Martin. Loads of data for the cloudy nights here

A really sharp and beautiful image Martin there is even some detail showing in the small galaxy bottom left . Although there does seem to be a patch on M106 to it's bottom right which has a green hue to it.

Regards

Kevin

[GazOC]

TEC 140 APO v AYO 6" ED APO both about the same price. I know which one i would get

The 20" Dob Martin was looking through would get my vote!

[Doc]

The 20" Dob Martin was looking though would get my vote!

I looked through Owen's 20" at SSP and I know what you are saying it's just awesome.

[MartinB]

Is the TEC 140 as good as everyone says?

Well the stars in the blue channel were the same as those in the other 2 which seems like a good start. The scope is very light weight for a refractor of this size, comfortably managed with an eq 6. It has a high quality 4" focuser that you could hang a few bricks off (wouldn't recommend doing that though) It did seem to deliver very tight stars with low FWHM. I'm no apo junkie but it certainly does the business.

One night we had a peep at Saturn when the seeing was good. Insert your own superlatives here...

[moocher]

I must get down there at some point!!!! This image speaks for itself......fantastic!!!!!

Alan:)

[peter shah]

the colours look perfect martin.......its very tricky to get a good signal in those faint outer arms....a super shot:cool:

[Paxo]

Fantastic shot Martin, can't wait to here about your stay with Olly.

Steve..

[red dwalf]

wow, it would be a wonder at all if olly got any sleep at all if these are the skys he has over there

[MartinB]

Thanks a lot guys. You were right about that green area Kevin. Sorted it now.

Red Dwalf - Olly doesn't sleep!

[arad85]

Absolutely beautiful I'm not envious of a 20" dob in good skies

[MikeD]

Another stunner Martin, looks like you had a fantastic time with Olly.

Mike.

[Taff]

Very nice Martin' great capture of M101.Mark

[Tim]

Oooh lovely colours Martin, and what a difference to those outer arms the dark skies have made. I have to admit that the pure simplicity of an APO is very tempting, and if the correction is that good, then why not

[ollypenrice]

Looking great Martin. I am on hol at the moment and using a dodgy screen so a proper look will have to wait for now, unfortunately....

Olly