Fireworks Galaxy (NGC 6946) and cluster NGC 6939

[Shibby]

Hi,

Lovely clear sky Saturday night so I tried to make the most of the opportunity! So I thought I'd have a go at this nice little pair.

The transparency and my gradually improving polar alignment allowed me to take longest subs yet (I wanted the longer subs as I've read this galaxy is quite obscured by dust)

20x4min unguided ISO 800 + 9 darks (would have preferred more darks but fatigue set in!)

I also tried star layers for the first time, it does seem to have helped keep the brighter stars sharper.

All comments & advice much appreciated!

Lewis

[russ]

That is superb. Great having such a fine galaxy and cluster together in the same field. You have nailed it.

[lukebl]

Superb image. And unguided, too! I just love the rich colours and wide field. Don't think I can give you any advice!

[Deneb]

Thats Superb for unguided, must try that section of the sky sometime...

Nadeem.

[Shibby]

Thanks for the comments chaps, I believe this to be my best image yet (not saying that much I know!)

I'm lucky it's a nice section of the sky, as I'm quite limited by houses and streetlights blocked out by parasols lol.

[adamsp123]

A very good image Lewis, lovely framing of the two together.

[Yoddha]

Beautiful image of an interesting target! The framing is very good! This object is first in my list and hope soon to have weather to try it too

[ncjunk]

Lovely image and framing.

[p1taylor]

very good shot colour really good.

peter

[Shibby]

I attach some 100% crops, again using MartinB's excellent star layers tutorial to minimise bloating of the brighter stars. I'm so chuffed with the Vixen GP mount it seems to be tracking really well which is also thanks to the good members' mount advice here at SGL!

I must check it on my other monitor, the one on my laptop is very bright in comparison. Coma has affected the stars a bit around the galaxy: