Dan's Astrophotography

M109, a bright example of a barred spiral galaxy.

I love how many little background galaxies are visible in the hi res version of this image. All those faint smudges of light? Galaxies.

Image Location and Date: SDAA site at Tierra Del Sol on February 13th
Object: M109 Galaxy Ursa Major
Mount: CG5GT
Imaging scope: Omni XLT 150 Newtonian
Imaging FL: 750mm
Imaging focal ratio: f5
Imaging camera: unmodified Nikon D60
Lights: 8 x 300 sec ISO 3200 (40min)
Calibration: Darks and Flats
Guide scope: Antares 8×50mm finder with Orion StarShoot Auto Guider
Other details: guided with PHD, stacked in DSS processed in Photoshop

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This is a short exposure I did with the Praesepe cluster a few days ago. I was staying at my parents house for a few days, checking to see how much darker the skies are there compared to where I live in Vista. Not that much darker unless you are looking to the east towards Ortega Highway. However, I was able to leave my telescope unattended in the backyard while it was imaging which was a rare treat. Can’t do that here for fear of it getting stolen while I go to the bathroom or something. It’s quite nice being able to watch television yet still feel productive while your imaging setup does all the work.

30×1 Minute exposure, ISO1600 (usually I do ISO 3200 but I wanted to see if I was missing out on something. I wasn’t).

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