Widefield view of M101. For these data, I was still de-bugging the star shape with the ED80T scope. (Turned out the ring that the focuser attaches to was not properly secured, and I do have a return label for when those scopes are in stock again.) The focus was a bit off for the RGB data. After fiddling (fumbling?) for a couple of weeks I have more respect for you manual focusers out there now. I have since received a Bahtinov mask and will have to report how focusing goes with that after I get a clear sky.
I thought I would go ahead and process this anyway and there is a mystery blue star in the galaxy. Turns out it was SN2011fe, but not listed as being "in" M101 or NGC 5457. (?) You may need to link to the high resolution image and zoom even further to see it.
http://www.fortlewis.edu/observatory/image_detail.asp?ID=257
clear skies,
Charlie
I thought I would go ahead and process this anyway and there is a mystery blue star in the galaxy. Turns out it was SN2011fe, but not listed as being "in" M101 or NGC 5457. (?) You may need to link to the high resolution image and zoom even further to see it.
http://www.fortlewis.edu/observatory/image_detail.asp?ID=257
clear skies,
Charlie
Fort Lewis Observatory: (37.238, -108.052) ~2360m (7744 ft.) elevation.
Darkness - typically 6.5+
Scope - Meade 16" LX200; f6.3 focal reducer
Focus - JMI Smart focus
Camera - SBIG ST-10XE; (~.5"/pixel)
Guiding - AO-8 and/or Meade 5"/DSI/PHD
http://www.fortlewis.edu/observatory
