M74 Galaxy

Here is a shot of M74. This one always seems to be a challenge for me. I have attached a mid size thumbnail but a larger image as well as exposure / processing details are at:

http://jthommes.com/Astro/M74.htm


This is a 2x2 bin luminance in this image in order to get sufficient signal. Scope was my C8 at f/8 and the camera was an Artemis285.

Attached Image:

Jim: Contratulations on a magnificent image. Regarding his effort to observe M74, O'Meara wrote in his book on Messier objects: "Watch how the core slowly materializes into a compact orb punctuated by a pinpoint of light." But your image shows me TWO pinpoints of light. I am guessing that the upper one is within the galaxy's core and the lower one is a foreground star. Or are they both within the core? Or both stars?