The Helix Nebula - NGC 7293

[PhotonCollector]

Hi all,

Here's an image I did a few nights ago - the Helix Nebula. Though not perfectly happy with the image, it is still a good improvement on my last Helix Nebula image (last year).

I used my modified Canon 300D on my GSO 12" f/5 telescope, hand guided with a 4.5-inch f/18 guidescope. I also used a Baader 2" Multi-Purpose Coma Corrector (MPCC) and Baader 2" UV/IR Cut Filter.

The exposure is a composition of 19 x 3-minute exposures @ ISO 400 - that's 57-minutes total exposure time with 5 dark images and 5 bias (offset) images.

You can see a higher resolution image at http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/Helix%20Nebula.html

For those of you with keen eyes you will also notice the Asteroid Nishiinoue (11915) at Magnitude 18.3 in the upper left quadrant of the image.


Paul M

[RB]

Paul that's a beautiful shot, you've captured the arc and central stars well.
I think for those of us that haven't imaged this object, we can't appriciate how hard it is to get right.

I take my hat off to you guys that hand guide.
Well done, I always enjoy your work.


Andrew

[tornado33]

Yes well done, youve captured the Northeast Arc, and that small galaxy is clearly visible on right. Great minds think alike too, I did the helix again last night too.
Scott

[h0ughy]

wonderful shot Paul, way better than Scotts effort:P :D ;)

[Striker]

Great image Paul,

Thanks for sharing another Helix that includes the nth arc like Scotts....grrrrrrr

You have done well......shame about your footy side...lol

[iceman]

Another amazing helix shot!

Beautiful work, Paul!

[Dennis]

That's lovely work Paul. A beautiful image - well done.

Cheers

Dennis

[PhotonCollector]

Thanks you guys for kind comments. Glad you liked the image.
All your fantastic comments spur me on to get back out there.

wishing you all clear skies
Paul M

[tornado33]

Yes indeed, its great to get results like this, makes all the telescope time worth it :)
Scott