Here is yet another start on M51. One of those objects I try to improve every year. This is 12x5min exposures, but it took well over 3 hours to get, with focusing, guiding, and other various set-up issues. The data is from last week before our weekend clouds and rain. There are some unprocessed color frames that I haven't looked at, but maybe today? I would really like to at least double the luminosity time whenever the seeing gets halfway OK, and then add color. Don't know about adding H-alpha, though, as that always seems to have limited returns for me, but maybe that is just my limited processing abilities.
We finally had a great, clear night last night, but it sure was bright out, and with evening activities I never made it out to observe. (Why do the clouds seem to follow the new moon?!) Anyway, even with the moon, tonight is supposed to be just as clear, so I may see what I can add. I sure hope to take advantage of the weather the next couple of weeks. Just as long as that doesn't lead to a too dry June.
Charlie
We finally had a great, clear night last night, but it sure was bright out, and with evening activities I never made it out to observe. (Why do the clouds seem to follow the new moon?!) Anyway, even with the moon, tonight is supposed to be just as clear, so I may see what I can add. I sure hope to take advantage of the weather the next couple of weeks. Just as long as that doesn't lead to a too dry June.
Charlie
Attached Image:
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
