The faint outer arms of M101

[Tom Davis (Tom)]

A number of years ago (2006 to be exact) I took an poor image of M101. Despite it being a poor image I could see some arms in the outer portion of M101 that were very faint. I have looked at many images of M101 since and I can see those faint arms, but just barely.

I decided back in 2006 that I wanted to re-image M101 with the intent of exposing the faint arms more clearly. Just this month was I able to do so -- thanks to Ray Gralak letting me use his scope at NMS.

So I present my image of M101 with it's faint outer arms for your viewing. Please remember that I am not a galaxy imager and I do not know how to process galaxy data well. The colors may not be as rich as other images of M101 because I had to increase the luminance to show the faint arms.

http://www.tvdavisastropics.com/astr...s-1_000028.htm

Please let me know what you think.

Tom

[allan gould]

Tom
Thats a brilliant shot and the added exposure time certainly adds an extra dimension to this object. Really well done and processed
Allan

[TrevorW]

I'd be very happy with that although personally I'd would not have such rich colours but thats just me

[duncan]

Absolutely Amazing!!! and so many more galaxies way off in the distance.
I wonder how many Earths there are in this one.

Thanks for posting Tom.
Cheers

[Tom Davis (Tom)]

Originally Posted by TrevorW

I'd be very happy with that although personally I'd would not have such rich colours but thats just me

Got ya. I toned it down a little. Better?

Tom

[Hagar (Doug)]

Tom, for someone who doesn't profes to being a galaxy imager, this is magnificent. Thye detail in the outer arms is astounding.
Beautifully captured and processed.

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

How did you not bring out some Galactic Cirrus at the same time..? It must be there? Com'on dust man you can find some I am sure

Great shot Tommy

MIke

[Tom Davis (Tom)]

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

How did you not bring out some Galactic Cirrus at the same time..? It must be there? Com'on dust man you can find some I am sure

MIke

There is not much around M101.

Tom

[tonybarry (Tony)]

Tom, that is a very good image of M101. And a lot of hours at the scope...

Regards,
Tony Barry

[multiweb (Marc)]

Great pic. The only thing I'd say looks funny to me is the pink Ha regions in the spiral arms. They look very pink and burnt out. Other than that the details are amazing.

[DavidU (Dave)]

MATE ! well done

[TrevorW]

Now you've got me Tom I didn't save your original to compare with ain't I

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Amazing image. Its the complete pacakge that I like. Star field, galaxies, resolution, detail. One of these days I will..... dream of doing something like this! lol