M51 - First proper Deep Sky Light for the RC

[jgs001]

Finally... a clear night without a layer of high mist...

I knew what I was going to do, so got setup, used a 1 star sync with EQMOD, then the goto to M51, and that plonked M51 within the FOV of the 450d on the RC.

16 x 10 minutes @ ISO800, darks and flats

Imaging setup: GSO 6" RC, Canon 450d

Guiding: QHY5v, Konus Vista 80s

Mount: HEQ5

Software: PHD, APT, DSS and PS

I could have framed it better, but the image scale is a big improvement on the 80ED... This is uncropped.

There are a couple of issues... I discovered that my normal Av mode flats, again came out underexposed... I've no idea why, but as I knew what I was looking for, that was easily dealt with. The collimation is out, using liveview zoomed, I did a quick star test, and the airy disk has a slight list, but I wasn't going to let that stop me, as I really just wanted to get some data with it. I found when dismantling that I hadn't tightened both thumb screws, so may have had some camera flex, and I'm not 100% convinced I nailed focus.

But... I'm happy

[Starjumper]

Hi John,

What a cracking first DSO, lovely image, I really like the colour and it has a lot of detail.

Rgds

John

[tiwar]

Plenty of detail....

T x

[Whippy]

I found when dismantling that I hadn't tightened both thumb screws, so may have had some camera flex

I think that's what the problem is John, the right hand stars look worse than the left hand. Other than that John, that's a cracking first light. Making me itchy to use mine now!

Tony..

[msinclairinork]

That is corcker!! I like the framing.

Well done,

Thanks for sharing.

Michael

[cotterless45]

Lovely.last night M51 was really clear at x100 all sorts of detail could be seen. I spent a good 15 minutes observing just this.

[jgs001]

Thanks guys...

Tony, That's all I can come up with... we shall see what happens next time.

[Ben Ritchie]

Nice image! I have one of these 6" RCs waiting for me, so looking forward to trying it out.

[Rob]

Thats great John.. I think the focus is as near as there TBH. Looks good to me

[jgs001]

Cheers guys.

Ben, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.