M104 - Sombrero Galaxy

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi all

This image was taken a few nights ago from my backyard on the Central Coast of NSW. It wasn't the best timing, as I started shooting it from too low (about 30deg) and had to finish the exposures before the moon rose at about 12:30am.

I had set it up to take 25x 4 min exposures, but the last 8 were ruined as my target went behind a tree branch (I was hoping it would clear it).

So this image is the result of 17x 4 minute exposures @ ISO400, darks ICNR, flats. Taken with the unmodded Canon 350D on ED80, WO 0.8x reducer, on EQ6 guided with DMK/PHD.

I knew the galaxy was small but it's really small at the focal length I'm using. Definitely one for the long focal length scopes. Anyway, I've imaged it now so I can move on

Attached is an 800px version. You can see the 1200px version by clicking on the image on the page below:

M104 - Sombrero Galaxy

Thanks for looking.

[Dietmar]

what a nice bright shiny jewel within another huge field, Mike!
in this case a little more FL would do this object justice.
but still - a most unusual but nevertheless very cool image!
you can get an idea how bright it must be on your part of the globe - high in the sky!

[koputai (Jason)]

Lovely pic Mike. I was cruising around there last night, Stargate, the Shark etc. Your image gives a really nice overall view.

Cheers,
Jason.

[acropolite (Phil)]

Nice image Mike, some dust lane detail apparent there as well.

[Zuts]

Hi Mike,

Them damn galaxies are so $%^& small

A very nice image, even when they are small they still look great just floating there in space. Star colours look great also.

Paul

[Tamtarn]

Like the field Mike you've included Stargate and Jaws. Nicely composed

[Matty P (Matt)]

Really nice image Mike.

Love the FOV of the image. Although a longer focal length would be nice for certain object especially galaxies. I really like how you brought out this one Mike.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Really nice image Mike.

Great FOV. Yeah I agree that especially galaxies you need that longer focal length. How did you bring out the detail.

[leon]

Top stuff Mike, I actually like the feel of these Galaxies just floating around up there, gives us such a good concept of size.

Leon

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Mike,

Now that you've crossed over to the dark side, perhaps you should hack a couple of inches off the GSO 12" tube and try the 350D prime focus through it!

Peter

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks guys - I did compose the shot to get those 2 star asterisms but I didn't realise at the time that's what they were called

Peter, not a chance! I want more focal length with the 12", not less

My next DSO imaging scope will be an 8" f/4 or f/5 newt with an MPCC. I'll tackle these targets again then.

[davidpretorius]

nice saturn mate...........

what????

ok, another nice dso mate, well done!