M104 aka Sombrero Galaxy

[Geoff45]

Had a lot of trouble processing this one, but I think I finally nailed it. Very hard to get down to the core and still show the halo.
http://www.astrobin.com/102715/B/
Telescope: Plane Wave 12.5" CDK
Mount: AP900
Camera: QSI540wsg
Exposure:90min each of R, G, B binned 2 x 2, 90 min L bin 1. All at 10min subframes.
Processing: PixInsight
Geoff

[strongmanmike]

Nice work Geoff, rather cool galaxy regardless of how its processed and good to see some more mini data too :lol:

Mike

[Geoff45]

Thanks Mike. Define mini-data.
Geoff

[strongmanmike]

Mini Data

Definition: Any length of total exposure time that can be measured in a small single digit number of hours and normally able to be finished in a single night

;)

Mike

[RickS]

Very nice M104, Geoff. I haven't had a go at this one yet but it does look like it would be difficult to process!

Cheers,
Rick.

[Geoff45]

Well, come the next new moon weekend I can probably work it up to maxi data.

[strongmanmike]

:lol: mate, an image is an image so enjoy what ever you do in my opinion :thumbsup: Lately I just don't have the will to do 30hr images...I got to 15 hrs on one recently (only one filter) and have ran out of sky access time now...next year :rolleyes: One really needs automation to adequately manage mega data. without going bonkers :driving: one of the reasons I went with a fast scope and the sensitive camera that needs no darks or flats is helpful too...cuts down imaging and processing time :P

Mike

[Eden]

This is a great image -- it's nice to see a Sombrero with less core and more dust lane I reckon. :thumbsup:

[alpal]

Nice job Geoff,
You've definitely got some detail in the dust lane & the disc.
I would have added some noise to the background to make it smoother as per here:
http://bf-astro.com/backgndRepair.htm
but with a mask so it wouldn't affect any brighter areas.

well done

cheers
Allan