M101

M101, is one of the largest galaxies in the northern sky with a size of 28.6' x 26.5'. While it sports a very bright mag 7.92, it appears quite dim visually due to its very low surface brightness, especially away from the core. It resides in the constellation of Ursa Major, by the end of the handle. This image was taken at the CSSP 2007 and represents first light at a dark site for the 12.5" Newt at f/3.

Please use the links to scan the larger versions of this image. This image is only 33 percent of full sized.

Image info:

12.5" Homebuilt Newtonian

Starlight Express SXV-M25 one-shot ccd camera

15x10 (total of 150 mins)

f/3 with Keller Corrector

Color converted, stacked and flattened in Maxim and tweaked in PS

Guided with SX OAG and SX guide head

5.18.07

Cherry Springs State Park, Pa