M74

M74 is a large (10.2'x9.5') and bright face-on spiral galaxy in the constellation of Pisces. It is, however, a difficult object to see and image well, owing to its very low surface brightness. The galaxy appears to have a strong red component to it, and this was evident during color processing. This image was taken at the Chiefland Star Party 2003.

Image info:

12"LX200 on a Losmandy Titan Mount

Starlight Express
SXV-H9C

33x4 mins

f/6 (f/6.3 FR at 90mm spacing)

Stacked and processed in Astroart (no darks and no flats) - reprocessed 1/25/05

guided with the MX7C on a piggybacked Sky90 refractor with 2x barlow

11.15.03

Chiefland Star Party