NGC2903 the Missed Messier.

[alocky]

This 9.7 mag spiral in Leo is one that got away from Messier. It's brighter than some of the ones he did catch in here, and is a real treat in a good scope.
This data is two nights (6 hours used) worth of 5 minute LRGB subs, although Perth's summer has finally caught up and the temps have stayed above 30 in the dome, so the poor old QSI hasn't been able to cool itself off. Hence the noise!
Higher res here:
https://www.astrobin.com/337286/
cheers,
Andrew.

[RickS]

Shame about the heat, Andrew, but a nice image and a photogenic target :thumbsup:

[Placidus]

That's very pretty. The detail in the spiral arms and bar is very well shown. Lots of faint distant galaxies in the background. Nice!

[strongmanmike]

Agree it is an overlooked target but at +21deg it isn't all that well placed for most of Oz but I also agree with Rick, a very photogenic target! Maybe a little more colour would be nice.. but a great shot none the less Andrew :thumbsup:

Mike

[alocky]

I know what you mean - I've seen it rendered with very blue arms and it looked nice. Maybe worth a revisit!


Thanks! It's a shame I had to black clip as much as that as there seems to be more little background galaxies than usual in this field.


Thanks Rick!

[Paul Haese]

Great detail Andrew, it looks to be an excellent target. Summer with a QSI can be a pain, but I have come to live with -15C now.