M74 in Pisces

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE VIEW (1800x1350)

Scope: C8 203 mm   at f/6.3, Location: Blair Valley, Anza Borrego Desert, CA  13  October 2012  Camera: ST8300M

Exposure: 18 x 8 min  (2x2 bin) exposure with UV/IR block, 8 x 4 min (3x3 bin) RGB exposures.

Processing: Data Collection -  CCDSoft (as FITs).  Calibrated, stacked (Sigma Combine), LRGB channel registration, central gradient removal, and color equalization - Astroart.  Curves, Levels, LRGB combine and finishing  - Photoshop.  This image is a LRGB combine with Luminance layering -   Final Image size is approximately 1800x1350.

North is up in this image. M74  is a grand design galaxy in face on orientation to Earth. Its distance is estimated at 30 to 40 million light years.  It's spiral arms span about 1,000 light years   This image replaces an earlier image in the Archives here.  Horizontal FOV is 44'

Image center is approximately - Equatorial 2000: RA: 01h 36m 42s Dec: +15°47'11" 

All images and content remain the property of Jim Thommes - copyright 2003 - 2012

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