The Leo Triplet, 3 x Galaxies NGC3628 - M65 - M66

[EzyStyles]

Hi Guys,

This was taken on Sunday night at 2:30am finishing up at 4am with work starting at 9am the following day lol . i can't let a clear night go by.. its badddd as im beginning to put astro work infront of my career!!! :scared: i wish i can retire like some of you guys :)

Anyway, 9 x 7 minutes at ISO 400. been going up to 7 minute exposures as the nights these days seem relatively coldish for summer (about 15-16 degrees ambient). Quite alot of galaxies coming up this time of the year but you have to stay up for it.

Hi Res here: (click button middle bottom of image)

http://www.ezystyles.com.au/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=433154&g2_enterAlbum=0


Cheers i better goto sleep now work again tomorrow..... blahhh..

[skwinty]

Hi Eric
stunning pic of the triplet.
I am so frustrated that my 12" newtonian, EQ6 pro and canon 40dh is not operating yet. Must still shorten OTA to get focus for camera. Ordered a 50mm focus extension and received a 35mm. Have to wait some more.
I dont want to shorten the OTA if i can't use the rig visual as well as photographically. I hope to be able to take pix that are as good as yours.
Regards
steve

[h0ughy]

Fantastic Work Eric!! I love the dedication too!!

[strongmanmike]

Ah Eric, you remind me of myself a couple of years ago, I would use every available clear night no matter what, going to work without any or with very little sleep was a non issue, I kept this up for about 4 years. Careful though or you will burn out, I did :(

This is a great image, I knew you would improve and improve, your image prosessing has reached a high standard indeed.

Mike

[iceman]

Really well done, Eric. The bottom right one is superb in colour and detail.

[marc4darkskies]

Nice work Eric :thumbsup: You're pumping out some great images these days - keep it up!

Cheers, Marcus

[Ric]

A wonderful image Eric, great colour, detail and composition.

Cheers

[Dennis]

Hi Eric

Wow – this is a most beautiful image; an astonishing view of these 3 island galaxies just floating in the vastness of space. Top shot!

Cheers

Dennis

[leon]

Eric there is just no end to it, that is a fantastic image, you really do some professional work, well done.

leon

[goober]

That sure is purdy...

[edwardsdj]

Thanks for sharing another awesome image Eric :)

[EzyStyles]

Hi Steve, thanks mate. re shortening your 12" tube, have you tired a low profile focuser? with my 10" F4.7, i too can't reach 'infocus' so i got myself a low profile focuser GSO. however, there is a lot of play regarding this focuser esp when using a DSLR due to the weight of it so you have to tighten the set screw as well as the locking screw up. can be very frustrating when trying to focus.

[EzyStyles]

lol thanks houghy its unheathy too :P



cheers mike. nothing wrong following your footsteps ;)



thanks mike! yes, the colours really turned out quite well with this shot.



many thanks marcus. i'll try to keep it up.



thanks Ric! rarely i get clear skies, gotta take the most of it.



many thanks dennis. my fov was perfect to get all 3 galaxies in...justttt :P



Thanks Leon! was beautiful weather on sunday, did you image that night?



Thanks :)



thanks for your reply edward. really appreciated.

[Garyh]

Excellent Trio Eric! great result for a hours imaging...:thumbsup:

I can understand getting out at at every opportunity! I usually do but I try not stay out a all nighter as the kids never let you have a sleep in or a break!
Look forwards to your next treat!!!
cheers

[leon]

Eric just out of interest, when you image that Galaxy group, do you pick a particular M number or do you pick the NGC object, or dosn't it really matter as they would all still land in the FOV.

Thanks Leon

[sjastro]

Eric,

Very nice image. I'm not too far from your location and I find my site is clouded out on most nights.

Steven
http://users.westconnect.com.au/~sjastro/small

[Tamtarn]

Agree with the other comments Eric. Excellent work and we admire your dedication :)

[peter_4059]

Great image Eric. The bright star really sets off the composition.

Peter

[Hagar]

Great image Eric, up to your usual high standard. A hard act to follow.
You always seem to find something new and get it right..
Great work.

[EzyStyles]

LOL thanks gary. lucky i still havent got any kids nor am i married yet :P



Hi Leon, i picked M65 then take 30 sec expo shots, move left take another 30sec shot move up abit then take another 30 sec shot etc etc until i like the fov from a test 30sec shot then i'll set the guidestar and shoot away :)



Thanks Steve. Nicee another Melbournian. Where abouts are you?




Thanks guys. im the all weather man :)



cheers Peter. yes, ive noticed there are hardly any stars around these galaxies besides that bright one which i guess balances it out.



many thanks hagar. im starting to run out of objects .. need to compile a list soon. :thumbsup:

[sjastro]

Actually I am near Bacchus Marsh but we probably share the same weather.

Steven

[leon]

Thanks Eric, yep that makes sense.

Leon :thumbsup:

[davidpretorius]

that is beautifully quaint!

lovely eric!

[EzyStyles]

yep i know where bacchus marsh but your skies will be much darker than mine :) thanks davo :)