This was my April /May project, galaxy NGC 3981 in Crater.
Taken leisurely, over seven cool-mild Autumn nights (not like today! see attached ), conditions were generally pretty good, with two of the seven nights providing excellent seeing
with the first night on 2 April, returning a very steady FWHM of 1.4"-1.6" for most of the night, so I used the best 50% (FWHM 1.4"-1.8")
of the 17+hrs of 10min Lum sub frames collected, to best reveal the details in the brighter areas and the whole lot for the rest (FWHM under 2.1") and fainter extensions.
I also collected 3hrs of Ha to help bring out the HII regions.
I only had to chuck about a half dozen or so sub frames, from the seven nights and all up it was a 27.5hr exposure
The full res version and a description of the galaxy and acquisition details can be found at these platforms, depending on your preference:
Not only is that a superb image, I like the way the main feature sits higher in the frame. Seems to make it feel like it's tilting towards you. Top notch stuff.
For what it's worth - we haven't had quite the weather you did, but I've got a lot of clouds here I'd like to get rid of if you need some...
Thanks Warren ...just checking though, you also looked at the links to the larger file versons too, not just the thumbnail attached to the post, as that is only a 50% res small crop attached so the post gets a thumbnail..
Mike,
As always a top image from the highest observatory in Oz.
One fact that stands out is that this galaxy is 65million light years from home and you’ve resolved detail remarkably well. That elevation under stable skies is unique and certainly gives you a key to open up the Universe.
Beautifully processed and love that Star field
Well done !!
Martin
Mike,
As always a top image from the highest observatory in Oz.
One fact that stands out is that this galaxy is 65million light years from home and you’ve resolved detail remarkably well. That elevation under stable skies is unique and certainly gives you a key to open up the Universe.
Beautifully processed and love that Star field
Well done !!
Martin
Cheers Martin
The other thing that makes revealing decent details in the galaxy is that the inner galactic disc is highly tilted to our line of sight too, more face on galaxies, even at 65 million light years, tend to show more features.
I did indeed! Always happy to check out quality work.
Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
Thanks Warren ...just checking though, you also looked at the links to the larger file versons too, not just the thumbnail attached to the post, as that is only a 50% res small crop attached so the post gets a thumbnail..
A unique galaxy and a brave target being so faint.
Love the spiral arms flying out. So delicate. Your setup and location has proven again to reveal faint detail.
Good one. That must be about your longest ever exposure.
Is this the start of patient Mike?
Greg.
Thanks Greg, yeah it's a really cool looking galaxy, different
While none are in the Rolf or AstroBin group effort class, that abound these days, I've done a few exposures around this length now, my M83 from last year was the same exposure time and my longest exposure ever was 52.5hrs over 10 days on Cen A with the FSQ106 back in 2019.
But yes, the site is good and Mike can be more patient these days
I have the AG10 to play with now, so naturally I'm inspired by your captures. Finally sorted out the little problems I had with it. Things are looking promising now.
), conditions were generally pretty good, with two of the seven nights providing excellent seeing
I have none, see attached 
...whatch ya see'in? Which bit troubles you?
..ah nah, aint them, that's just the details at my resolution and seeing, plus astigmatism limited optics..
something new 
