This is the first image I have completed since moving the RC12 into the roll off roof and onto the PME. I was using the PMX to carry the RC12 but this was really pushing it. It has been a long process and there are still some things I need to undertake. One of those jobs is to commission the FitPC to replace the desktop I have been using in that observatory. It will be a more robust setup then and less likely to act a little flaky at times.
I have been trying to collect data on this object for the last few years. I collecting data on this object in 2015 managed to collect 10 hours in the first run and the balance of the 24 hours this run. The data is not entirely to my liking with poor seeing and transparency but I am happy to finally have a colour image of this target.
Now to the target. These two main galaxies are quite interesting to view. NGC5101 is the face on barred spiral which is quite faint and would certainly require more integration to really bring out the arms. It would probably need better data than I have for the luminance to compare favourably with Martin Pugh's image. However, you can see distant galaxies through the arms, as well as some detail starting to show up in the arms. NGC5078 is indeed the star of the image. The dust lanes are warped due to the interaction with the smaller galaxy IC879. IC879 is only about 60,000 light years away from NGC5078. This has distorted the arms of IC879 to create the S shape. Both galaxies show plenty of detail and considering this was taken at 6m above sea level it compares pretty well with larger scopes at better altitudes.
So I hope you enjoy the view.
Click here for the larger resolution image.
Feel free to let me know what you think.
Love all the faint fuzzies in the field and your colours look great! I think you've got some more depth to tease out with that much data though. 
