Fornax galaxy cluster

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

The barred spiral NGC1365 in Fornax (see my previous image) is one of nearly 60 galaxies in what is known as the Fornax Galaxy Cluster.

This widefield image shows a number of those galaxies - including of course the beautiful barred spiral, NGC1365. The field of view here is about 1.5 degrees across (roughly 3x the diameter of the full moon). Total exposure time of just under 17 hours, captured across 3 Sept - 2 Oct from my backyard in Strathalbyn, South Australia.

Sharpstar 13028HNT telescope, QHY533C camera, Skywatcher HEQ5 tracking mount, Optolong UV-IR filter, 339 x 3min sub exposures
Processed with PixInsight

Astrobin version here: https://www.astrobin.com/b6yhj3/

[Peter Ward]

One of the most eye-pleasing renditions of this cluster that I've seen it quite a while.

You've totally nailed the colour.
The image has a delightful "sparkle" to it.

Well done

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Very nice early morning imaging result there Richard, it's a great galaxy cluster, cool framing too, fitting all that in

Mike

[AlexN]

Beautiful Richard!

I'm just starting to pool some data on NGC1365, though, a little over twice the focal length.

Your overall image is absolutly lovely - but that crop into 1365 is amazing given the 384mm focal length! really really nice indeed! Great colour and detail!

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

One of the most eye-pleasing renditions of this cluster that I've seen it quite a while.

You've totally nailed the colour.
The image has a delightful "sparkle" to it.

Well done

Thanks Peter for the encouraging feedback

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Very nice early morning imaging result there Richard, it's a great galaxy cluster, cool framing too, fitting all that in

Mike

Thanks Mike. I'm really enjoying the FOV offered by the little Sharpstar reflector.

Originally Posted by AlexN

Beautiful Richard!

I'm just starting to pool some data on NGC1365, though, a little over twice the focal length.

Your overall image is absolutly lovely - but that crop into 1365 is amazing given the 384mm focal length! really really nice indeed! Great colour and detail!

Thanks Alex, however to clarify - the inset image of NGC1365 was taken from my other image (at 950mm FL) of the same target. I've removed that image from this thread now to avoid further confusion. The hi-res Sharpstar image is over on Astrobin.

[Startrek (Martin)]

A beautiful wide field of Fornax from your rural location in SA
Background and colours are perfect
Framing spot on
Thanks for posting
Well done indeed
Martin
PS: I’m currently gathering data on NGC1365 from my B8 Sydney heavy light polluted skies
Even 30 sec subs in Luminance are blown out , I hope to gather +1000 subs to have any chance of pegging back the noise fest and expose some sort of detail. The joys of broadband in a City location.
See how we go

[alpal]

Wonderful picture Richard.
I notice Stellarium has chosen the same field as an insert with nice labels.
I did a screen shot.

cheers
Allan

[Dave882 (David)]

That’s a glorious shot mate! Sublime detail and stunning field of stars and faint fuzzies. Beautiful!!

[TrevorW]

Widefiekd views like this do inspire, thanks

[Ryderscope (Rodney)]

Fantastic result Richard. Lovely composition and processing. A top class result

[gregbradley]

Love that result. You must be loving this new scope.

Greg.