Widefield Whirlpool

[Steve 1962]

Finally, for the first time since the end of November, I managed to get out into the garden under a clear(ish) sky.

I bought a SW200p from Mike_F in the Autumn and an NEQ6 from FLO in November, and this was only the second time we'd been out together... (me and the scope, you understand - not me and Mike!)

This was 8 x 600secs @ ISO 1600 using a modded Canon 1000d, CLS CCD and Baader MPCC through the 200p and guided with a QHY5V through a WO ZS70. Acquired and stacked in Nebulosity 2 and tweaked in PS CS5.

I'm slightly disappointed with the star shapes - but would welcome any comments as a first real attempt with a reflector.

Cheers

Steve

[Hawklord]

Very nice indeed.

[Digz]

Looks great to me.

And a great attempt for your first time using a reflector. I think the MPCC is a must have otherwise the stars would have been really oval in shape, on this they look fine to me.

[RobH]

Great result....I like all the interesting stuff in the background too.

At this image size, the star shapes look fine to me.

Cheers

Rob

[JamesM]

Just goes to show what can come out of a meeting in a motorway service station!

Congratulations on a great image!

James

[Steve 1962]

Thanks everyone for your comments - Yup James - it's amazing what you can pick up these days at Leigh Delamare on the M4!

[prokyon]

Great 1st pic with the reflector! The image section is perfect for this object!

I am just starting my reflector career.

Cheers

Werner

[Steve 1962]

Cheers Werner - have a great time with the scope

[bluemarkus]

*****SUBLIME*****

[RogerTheDodger]

Dissapointed? you should be darned proud of that...

[Orion_the_Hunter]

Well done, a gorgeous M51!

[Steve 1962]

Thanks guys!

[rich_t]

Lovely detail and colour in M51, looks great on that backdrop of very nice stars.

Rich.

[Steve 1962]

Thanks Rich

[Coolhandjo]

Excellent. Nice colous and sharp focus.

[Keiran]

WOW, that is stunning, fantastic colours...

[Steve 1962]

Thanks Paul and Keiran

Steve

[cotterless45]

Wow!!!.M51 looked so clear and detailed last night, just sat and watched for 1\4 hour.

[TakMan]

I do like the widefield presentation of this target - just gives it some scale...

Great going for only a 'second date'!!! Definitely a 'relationship' to last then...?!

Lovely colours also.

Thanks for posting, clear skies....

Damian

[Steve 1962]

Thanks Damien.... it might last but it's too early to tell - I've got problems with my new NEQ6 so I don't think I've got anywhere near what's achievable with 200p yet.

(Don't tell the wife, but I do have a hankering for a nice 5 inch refractor instead of the 8 inch reflector - just waiting for that elusive lottery win to come up)

Steve