My First M51

[spanky]

So I had a lovely clear night last night around midnight, and was so excited to find M51 I thought I'd go crazy and try a whole bunch of exposures and see what the result would be.

So...

60 x 1min

15 x dark

15 x bias

15 x flats - which I think I could have done better with

I'm absolutely astonished at the result, as this is only the 4th time I've had the telescope out since I got it. I'll have a few more goes at processing and post another image if I can improve it, but this will do for now!

[oldfruit]

Lovely result. I`m no imaging expert but i think you seem to have nailed this one pretty well.

[dlp]

For a fourth attempt at using the scope that is absolutely excellent - well done. Wish my 4th attempt had been anywhere near as good!

David

[yoda]

Congrat's that's a craking pic.

[spanky]

Thanks guys!

[Mark-mck]

thats really nice. something to be proud of.

was that guided or unguided?

[bcsman]

thats really impressive

[sooren]

Cracking picture, Very envious!!

Regards

Paul

[spanky]

thats really nice. something to be proud of.

was that guided or unguided?

That was unguided.

I only got a remote switch last week for the camera and 60 seconds was about as long as I could get before there was trailing. Need to work on my polar alignment methinks, but if it's possible to get detail like I have with 1min subs then that will keep me happy for a while yet! I can even tolerate the egg-shaped stars!

I'm going to enjoy what I've got for now before I start splashing out on autoguiding and coma correctors and what-not.

[Mark-mck]

yeah i need to get my head around PA.

i'm still limited to 30s, really need to sort out a remote for mine. but as you said i'm happy with a bit of coma and egg shaped stars too for now.

[spanky]

yeah i need to get my head around PA.

i'm still limited to 30s, really need to sort out a remote for mine. but as you said i'm happy with a bit of coma and egg shaped stars too for now.

If it's a Canon you've got, have a look on ebay. My remote was £2.99 and free delivery. Works fine and much cheaper than the proper Canon one!

[Digz]

Excellent shot for a fourth use of the scope. Seems like you have you technique sorted.