Messier 95 by the Bunyip

[David Fitz-Henr]

I had a couple of mostly clear nights last week and I finished collecting the data for this image. Messier 95 (NGC 3351) is a barred spiral galaxy and culminates at only 46 degrees altitude from my location, but it appears to have turned out quite well. I am also getting better at collimating my scope which helps :)

Image data taken with the "Bunyip 12.5" Newtonian Astrograph / STL11000M / Paramount ME - Lum-16x12m, R-8x12m, G-8x12m, B-8x12m
Large Image: http://www.pbase.com/david_fitz_henry/image/149720080

[Peter.M]

Another beautiful image David, I really love the way this scope performs.

[Larryp]

Excellent result, David:)

[RobF]

Oh my. Stunner. I'm in the habit of opening any Yowie or Bunyips I see now! :)

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

Fine detail and subtle colours David!

Great processing skills, coupled with an amazing telescope certainly makes for stunning images.

Cheers,

Justin.

[marc4darkskies]

Beautiful David! The optical quality of Bunyip never ceases to amaze me and this is very nicely processed! Normally I'd say you need more FL for this object (which would be nice of course - just ask Fred), but you pulled it off thanks to those optics! Even the two tiny, distant galaxies off to the right show good detail. Well done! :thumbsup:

It would be interesting to know what spot sizes you're getting at the edge of the field.

Cheers, Marcus

[bratislav]

That is a fantastic result for an object that culminates at only 46 degrees!
Truly a credit to the quality of the instrument. And guiding. And seeing. And of course processing.

I just wonder where are those "Newtonians aren't as sharp" naysayers! What RoCk did they hide under ? ;)

[alpal]

Great result & the background is full of countless galaxies - well done.

[rustigsmed]

Fantastic!

[strongmanmike]

Fantabulous Dave lovely subtle details coming through around that very cool ring, great work...we are all falling in love with your Bunyip :love:...shame they aren't commercially available.

The sky looks a tad dark :question:...I have calibrated my monitor (per here (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/55347254/original)) ...so I am worried again :help:

Mike

[gregbradley]

Holy Cow another amazing image. I think a crop version would be good too as its a bit small in the widefield and the detail holds up well when you look at the original. Background could be a tad less dark and you may get some more detail that way as well. Otherwise I love the processing and the stars you have are superb.

Greg.

[peter_4059]

wow - that's a beautiful image.

[David Fitz-Henr]

Thanks Peter, Larry, Rob, Marcus, Justin, Bratislav, Allan, Russell, Mike, Greg & Peter!

Mike & Greg, yes the background is dark but definitely not black clipped though. I have added a little more at the foot of the histogram for you, although I do prefer a reasonably dark background (outer space is supposed to be fairly dark though ;)). I have also added a cropped version here:
http://www.pbase.com/image/149749580

[gregbradley]

Magnificent. Look at the subtle fine detail. Tremendous.
That mirror is sharp as.

Greg

[David Fitz-Henr]

Thanks again Greg; I think my processing is getting a little better each time thanks to tips from you, Mike, Marcus, etc!

[Paul Haese]

Very nice David I really like the fine detail in the dust lanes and arms of this galaxy. Lovely colour and smooth looking image.

[alexandre]

A magnificent big field with this image.
A very good resolution!!
Bravo!

Bye!;)
@lex

[multiweb]

Another superb delivery from the Bunyip (and the operator). Amazing field and details. Galaxy galore. :thumbsup:

[Ross G]

A beautiful galaxy photo David.

I love the wide composition and fine detail.

Ross.

[David Fitz-Henr]

Thanks for the nice comments Paul, Alexandre, Marc and Ross - much appreciated!

[dcalleja]

Super image Dave

[David Fitz-Henr]

Thanks Dan!