DSO – AstroFotoBlog

NGC 7293 Helix Nebula

October 5, 2024 JakubK

Planetary nebula

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The Helix Nebula, also known as NGC 7293, is a large planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius, about 650 light-years away from Earth. Often called the “Eye of God” due to its striking appearance, it features a bright, donut-shaped ring of gas and dust surrounding a central, faint white dwarf—the remnant core of a dying star. This nebula formed when the star shed its outer layers in the final stages of its life, creating the colorful halo we see today. It spans about 2.5 light-years and is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular object of study in astronomy.

Telescope	Newtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture	200 mm
Focal length	800 mm
Mount	Skywatcher EQ6R
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
Camera	ZWO 071MC @-0°C
Corrector	GPU
Filters	Antlia DualBand
Exposure	131x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-05

NGC 104 Globular Cluster

October 4, 2024 JakubK

Globular cluster

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47 Tucanae Cluster DSO Globular cluster GPU coma corrector Kiripotib Namibia Newtonian 200/800 NGC104 Skywatcher EQ-6 Tucana ZWO ASI 071

NGC 104, also known as 47 Tucanae, is a massive globular cluster located in the constellation Tucana, about 13,000 light-years from Earth. It’s one of the brightest and most massive globular clusters in the Milky Way, containing several million stars densely packed within a roughly spherical shape. With a diameter of around 120 light-years, NGC 104 is easily visible to the naked eye in the southern hemisphere. The cluster is rich in older stars, giving it a golden hue, and is known for its dense core, where stars are packed thousands of times closer together than in our solar neighborhood.

Telescope	Newtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture	200 mm
Focal length	800 mm
Mount	Skywatcher EQ6R
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
Camera	ZWO 071MC @-10°C
Corrector	GPU
Filters	–
Exposure	47x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-04

IC 2177 Seagull Nebula

October 4, 2024 JakubK

H II nebula

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Canis Major DSO Esprit100ED HII region IC2177 Kiripotib Monoceros Namibia Nebula Rainbow Astro RST135 Seagull Nebula ZWO ASI 2600MM

The Seagull Nebula, designated IC 2177, is a large emission nebula located on the border between the constellations Monoceros and Canis Major, about 3,650 light-years from Earth. Shaped somewhat like a bird in flight, this nebula spans approximately 100 light-years across and consists of a combination of glowing gas and dark dust clouds. The vibrant colors are produced as young, hot stars energize surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to emit a reddish glow. IC 2177 is part of a larger complex of nebulae and star-forming regions, making it an active area for the birth of new stars and a popular subject for both amateur and professional astrophotographers.

Telescope	Skywatcher Esprit 100ED
Aperture	100 mm
Focal length	550 mm
Mount	Rainbow Astro RST135
Autoguiding	ZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO ASI2600MM @0°C
Corrector	Skywatcher flattener
Filters	Antlia Ha OIII SII
Exposure	106x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-04

Cat’s Paw and Prawn Nebulae

October 3, 2024 JakubK

H II nebula

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Askar ACL200 Cat's Paw nebula Dark nebula DSO HII region IC 4628 iOptron HEM15 Kiripotib Namibia NGC 6334 Prawn Nebula Scorpius ZWO ASI6200MC

The Cat’s Paw Nebula (NGC 6334) is a bright emission nebula located in the constellation Scorpius (up right). Its distinctive shape resembles a cat’s paw, with regions of glowing gas and dark dust lanes. This star-forming region is rich in massive, young stars, and its reddish color comes from the ionization of hydrogen gas by intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars.

The Prawn Nebula (IC 4628), also in Scorpius (bottom left), is another emission nebula and star-forming region. It is often overlooked due to its faintness but is a beautiful expanse of glowing gas and dust, with an orange or pinkish hue in images. The nebula is lit by nearby hot, young stars and spans about 250 light-years, making it a large but relatively faint target for observers.

Both nebulae are stunning examples of stellar nurseries, offering insights into star formation and cosmic evolution.

Telescope	Askar ACL 200 F4
Aperture	50 mm
Focal length	200 mm
Mount	iOptron HEM15
Autoguiding	ZWO ASI485MC, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO 6200MC @0°C
Filters	none
Exposure	77x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-03

M78 Nebula

October 3, 2024 JakubK

Reflection nebula

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DSO GPU coma corrector Kiripotib M78 Messier78 Namibia Nebula Newtonian 200/800 Orion Reflection nebula Skywatcher EQ-6 ZWO ASI 071

The M78 Nebula, also known as Messier 78, is a bright reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion, about 1,350 light-years from Earth. Known for its striking blue color, M78 is illuminated by the light of young, hot stars embedded within it. The nebula’s dust particles reflect this starlight, creating a luminous glow that highlights its wispy clouds and dark lanes of dust. M78 is one of the brightest reflection nebulae in the sky and is a fascinating region of active star formation, where new stars continue to emerge within dense pockets of gas and dust.

Telescope	Newtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture	200 mm
Focal length	800 mm
Mount	Skywatcher EQ6R
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
Camera	ZWO 071MC @-10°C
Corrector	GPU
Filters	–
Exposure	200x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-03

NGC 300 Sculptor Pinwheel Galaxy

October 2, 2024 JakubK

Galaxy

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DSO Galaxy GPU coma corrector Kiripotib Namibia Newtonian 200/800 NGC300 Sculptor Sculptor Pinwheel Galaxy ZWO ASI071MC Pro

NGC 300, also known as the Sculptor Pinwheel Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy located approximately 6.07 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor. It is one of the closest galaxies outside the Local Group and is part of the Sculptor Group of galaxies. With its well-defined spiral arms and central bulge, NGC 300 resembles the Milky Way in structure but is smaller in size. It is known for its vibrant star-forming regions, abundant clusters of young, hot stars, and intricate dust lanes. NGC 300 is often studied for insights into galaxy formation and stellar evolution.

Telescope	Newtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture	200 mm
Focal length	800 mm
Mount	Skywatcher EQ6R
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
Camera	ZWO 071MC @-10°C
Corrector	GPU
Filters	–
Exposure	69x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-02

Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), and the dust around

October 2, 2024 JakubK

Galaxy

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Dark nebula Dorado DSO Galaxies iOptron HEM15 Kiripotib LMC Namibia Sigma 40mm F1.4 SMC ZWO ASI6200MC

The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) are two irregular dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. They are among the closest galaxies to us and are visible from the Southern Hemisphere.

Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC): Located about 160,000 light-years away, the LMC is the fourth-largest galaxy in the Local Group. It contains the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in the nearby universe.
Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC): Positioned around 200,000 light-years from Earth, the SMC is smaller and more irregular than the LMC. It has a rich mix of young and old stars and is known for its interaction with both the LMC and the Milky Way, causing bursts of star formation.

Both galaxies are important for studying cosmic evolution and are key targets for astronomers exploring star formation and galactic interactions.

Telescope	Sigma 40mm @F1.4
Aperture	28 mm
Focal length	40 mm
Mount	iOptron HEM15
Autoguiding	ZWO ASI485MC, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO 6200MC @0°C
Filters	none
Exposure	84x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-02

M42 Orion Nebula

October 2, 2024 JakubK

H II nebula

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Antlia filters DSO Esprit100ED HII region Kiripotib M42 Namibia Nebula Orion Orion nebula ZWO ASI 2600MM

The Orion Nebula, also known as M42 or NGC 1976, is a massive and bright emission nebula located in the constellation Orion, about 1,344 light-years away from Earth. It spans roughly 24 light-years across and is one of the most active star-forming regions in our galaxy, making it a vivid nursery for new stars and planetary systems. Its intense, colorful glow is due to ultraviolet radiation from young, hot stars within, which ionizes surrounding gas, causing it to shine. Visible even to the naked eye, M42 is one of the most studied and photographed nebulae, offering insights into the processes of stellar and planetary formation.

Telescope	Skywatcher Esprit 100ED
Aperture	100 mm
Focal length	550 mm
Mount	Rainbow Astro RST135
Autoguiding	ZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO ASI2600MM @0°C
Corrector	Skywatcher flattener
Filters	Antlia HaRGB
Exposure	232x120s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-02

Lagoon Nebula (M8) and Trifid Nebula (M20)

October 1, 2024 JakubK

H II nebula Reflection nebula

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DSO Esprit100ED Lagoon nebula M20 M8 Messier20 Messier8 Nebula Rainbow Astro RST135 Sagittarius Trifid nebula

The Lagoon Nebula (M8) and the Trifid Nebula (M20) are two iconic star-forming regions in the constellation Sagittarius, located approximately 4,100 and 5,200 light-years from Earth, respectively.

The Lagoon Nebula (right) is a vast emission nebula filled with glowing hydrogen gas, creating a reddish hue. Spanning about 110 light-years across, it’s a region rich with young stars and dense, dark clouds of gas and dust, where new stars continue to form. The Lagoon’s large, bright structure and open star cluster make it a prominent and popular sight in the Milky Way.

The Trifid Nebula (left) is known for its unique appearance, where dark dust lanes divide its central region into three distinct lobes, giving it a “trifid” or “three-part” look. The Trifid features a combination of reddish emission nebula, blue reflection nebula, and dark nebula, creating a beautiful, multicolored display. Together, the Lagoon and Trifid nebulae offer a stunning view of diverse nebular activity and star formation.

Telescope	Skywatcher Esprit 100ED
Aperture	100 mm
Focal length	550 mm
Mount	Rainbow Astro RST135
Autoguiding	ZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO 2600MM @-10°C
Corrector	Skywatcher flattener
Filters	Antlia HaRGB
Exposure	127x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-01

NGC 55 String of Pearls Galaxy

October 1, 2024 JakubK

Galaxy

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DSO Galaxy GPU coma corrector Kiripotib Namibia Newtonian 200/800 NGC55 Sculptor Skywatcher EQ-6 String of Pearls Galaxy ZWO ASI071MC Pro

NGC 55 is a barred irregular galaxy located in the constellation Sculptor, approximately 6.5 million light-years from Earth. It is a member of the Sculptor Group, one of the closest galaxy groups to our own Local Group. NGC 55’s elongated, edge-on structure gives it a striking resemblance to the Small Magellanic Cloud, making it an intriguing subject for astronomers studying galaxy formation and evolution. It features active star-forming regions, dust lanes, and a complex mix of young blue stars and older red stars. Its irregular shape is likely influenced by gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies.

Telescope	Newtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture	200 mm
Focal length	800 mm
Mount	Skywatcher EQ6R
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
Camera	ZWO 071MC @-10°C
Corrector	GPU
Filters	–
Exposure	79x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-10-01

Dark Nebula in the constellation Corona Australis

September 29, 2024 JakubK

Dark Nebula Reflection nebula

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Askar ACL200 Corona Australis DSO iOptron HEM15 Kiripotib Namibia Nebula ZWO ASI6200MC

The Dark Nebula in the constellation Corona Australis, also known as the Corona Australis Molecular Cloud, is a dense region of interstellar dust and gas located about 430 light-years from Earth. This dark nebula is notable for its opaque appearance, as it blocks light from stars behind it, creating a stark, shadowy silhouette against the surrounding star field. Within this cloud, young stars are actively forming, and the nebula itself appears to be dotted with faint, reflection nebulae illuminated by these young stars. Its dark, dusty tendrils make it a fascinating example of a star-forming region hidden in shadow, offering a glimpse into the early stages of stellar evolution.

Telescope	Askar ACL200
Aperture	50 mm
Focal length	200 mm
Mount	iOptron HEM15
Autoguiding	ZWO ASI485MC, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO 6200MC @0°C
Corrector	–
Filters	–
Exposure	102x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-09-29

Whirlpool Galaxy

April 14, 2024 JakubK

Galaxy

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Canes Venatici DSO Galaxies Galaxy Gemini gf53 M51 Messier51 Newton 254/1000 Spiral galaxy Tele Vue Parakorr Whirlpool galaxy ZWO ASI 2600MM

The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a (M51a) or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy. The Whirlpool Galaxy lies 7.22 megaparsecs (23.5 million light-years) away from us and has a diameter of 23.58 kiloparsecs (76,900 light-years). Its companion, NGC 5195, is easily observed by amateur astronomers, and both galaxies can be seen with binoculars.

Telescope	Newtonian 254/1000 mm
Aperture	254 mm
Focal length	1170 mm
Mount	Gemini G53f
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, TS 60/240 mm
Camera	ZWO 2600MC @-10°C
Corrector	TeleVue Paracorr 2″
Filters	Antlia RGB
Exposure	66x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-04-14

And here is the capturing process recorded:

M101 Pinwheel galaxy

April 11, 2024 JakubK

Galaxy

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Antlia filters DSO Galaxy Gemini gf53 M101 Messier101 Newtonian 250/1000 Pinwheel Pinwheel Galaxy Tele Vue Parakorr Ursa Major ZWO ASI 2600MM

The Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as M101, is a stunning spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major, about 21 million light-years from Earth. With a large, nearly face-on orientation, it displays beautiful, well-defined spiral arms filled with bright blue star clusters and reddish regions of active star formation. M101 is known for its striking symmetrical structure and massive size, spanning about 170,000 light-years across, making it almost twice the diameter of our Milky Way.

My first attempt to capture this galaxy was 8 years ago. This time I am equipped with a new camera and significantly improved processing skills:

Telescope	Newtonian 254/1000 mm
Aperture	254 mm
Focal length	1170 mm
Mount	Gemini G53f
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, TS 60/240 mm
Camera	ZWO 2600MC @-10°C
Corrector	TeleVue Paracorr 2″
Filters	Antlia RGB
Exposure	153x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-04-11

Dark nebulae in Taurus

January 11, 2024 JakubK

Dark Nebula

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Askar ACL200 B18 B207 B22 Dark nebula DSO Eagle's Head Flims-Laax Kutner's Cloud Rainbow Astro RST135 Taurus Taurus Dark Cloud Complex ZWO ASI6200MC

Constellation Taurus is full of deep space gems. Probably everybody knows the Pleiades open cluster. There are many dark nebulae next to it, which I intended to capture during our winter vacation in Flims-Laax. Three and half hours of total exposure revealed 3D structures of the dark clouds floating in space. The darkest cloud on the left side is B 22 Taurus Dark Cloud Complex, the small one on the left B 207 Eagle’s Head, and the central part B 18 Kutner’s Cloud.

Telescope	Askar ACL 200 F4
Aperture	50 mm
Focal length	200 mm
Mount	Rainbow Astro RST 135
Autoguiding	ZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO 6200MC @-10°C
Filters	none
Exposure	72x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2024-01-11

Sh2-91 supernova remnant in Cygnus

October 9, 2023 JakubK

Supernova remnant

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Antlia ALP-T Dualband 5nm Askar ACL200 Cygnus DSO LBN 147 Nebula Rainbow Astro RST135 Sh2-91 Supernova remnant ZWO ASI6200MC

In my previous project, where I created a mosaic of the Cygnus constellation, I discovered a faint supernova remnant near the star Albireo. Recognizing the significance of this finding, I committed to giving this celestial object more attention. I directed my Askar ACL telescope to these coordinates and gathered additional data over several hours.

Sh2-91, also identified as LBN 147, is a supernova remnant situated close to Albireo. Unlike its more well-known visual neighbor, the Veil Nebula, Sh2-91 is infrequently captured in deep-space photography. According to available literature, this nebula spans 230 light-years in diameter and is approximately 20 thousand years old.

Aware of the complexity of this target, I understood that an extensive integration time was necessary to highlight its intricate structures. Hence, I dedicated seven clear nights to capturing data for this deep-space object, accumulating nearly 14 hours of valuable data.

Telescope	Askar ACL 200 F4
Aperture	50 mm
Focal length	200 mm
Mount	Rainbow Astro RST 135
Autoguiding	ZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO 6200MC @-10°C
Filters	Antlia ALP-T Dualband 5nm
Exposure	167x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2023-09-15 2023-09-17 2023-09-19 2023-10-04 2023-10-06 2023-10-07 2023-10-08

Vela Supernova Remnant

May 15, 2023 JakubK

Supernova remnant

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DSO IDAS NBZ iOptron Skyguider Pro Kiripotib Namibia Namibia 2023 Nebula Pencil Nebula Samyang 135 f2 Supernova remnant Vela Vela Supernova Remnant ZWO ASI6200MC

The Vela Supernova Remnant Nebula emerged from the explosive demise of a massive star, scattering its outer layers across space. Filamentary structures, shaped by shockwaves and magnetic fields, intertwine throughout the nebula, painting an intricate cosmic tapestry.

Radiating vibrant hues of red, green, and blue, the nebula’s ionized gases create a stunning visual display. Observations reveal delicate wisps of gas, shock fronts, and remnants of the original star, including a pulsar emitting electromagnetic radiation.

The Vela Supernova Remnant Nebula showcases the grandeur of stellar cataclysms. Its intricate structure and vibrant colors captivate observers, urging us to ponder the forces that shape our universe. Explore this cosmic masterpiece and unlock the mysteries of our celestial past.

I had to revisit this deep-space object with a much shorter focal length and a much bigger CMOS sensor. Last year it simply didn’t fit in the field of view.

Telescope	Samyang 135 mm F2 @f2.4
Aperture	67.5 mm
Focal length	135 mm
Mount	iOptron Skyguider Pro
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO 6200MC @-10°C
Filters	IDAS NBZ 2″
Exposure	88x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2023-05-15

NGC 3576 The Statue of Liberty Nebula

May 15, 2023 JakubK

H II nebula

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Antlia 3 nm Carina DSO Kiripotib Namibia Namibia 2023 Nebula NGC 3576 NGC3576 Rainbow Astro RST135 Sharpstar 94EDPH Statue of Liberty Nebula The Statue of Liberty Nebula

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Statue of Liberty Nebula, an ethereal masterpiece located 9,000 light-years away in the Carina constellation. Resembling the iconic symbol of freedom, this emission nebula captivates with its vibrant colors and intricate features.

The Statue of Liberty Nebula, or NGC 3576, showcases a cluster of young, massive stars at its core. Their intense radiation energizes the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to emit a mesmerizing red glow. Dark dust lanes intricately crisscross the nebula, adding contrast and creating a resemblance to the statue’s features.

The interplay of colors, from deep crimson to fiery orange and shimmering blue, adds depth and richness to the nebula’s allure.

The Statue of Liberty Nebula invites us to appreciate the universe’s splendor. Its resemblance to the symbol of liberty reminds us of our shared values. Gazing upon this celestial marvel, we are filled with wonder and inspired to explore the mysteries of the cosmos.

Telescope	Sharpstar 94EDPH
Aperture	94 mm
Focal length	414 mm
Mount	Rainbow Astro RST 135
Autoguiding	ZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO 2600MM @-10°C
Corrector	F4.4 Quad Reducer
Filters	Antlia SHO 3 nm
Exposure	134x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2023-05-15

Sh2-308 Dolphin Nebula

May 13, 2023 JakubK

H II nebula

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Antlia 3 nm Dolphin Nebula Dolphin-Head Nebula DSO Kiripotib Namibia Nebula Rainbow Astro RST135 Sh2-308 Sharpstar 94EDPH ZWO ASI 2600MM

Discover the awe-inspiring Dolphin Nebula, a captivating celestial cloud located 15,000 light-years away in the Delphinus constellation. Resembling a graceful leaping dolphin, this planetary nebula enchants observers with its vibrant colors and intricate structure.

The Dolphin Nebula is formed from the outer layers of a dying star, leaving behind a white dwarf at its core. The intense ultraviolet radiation emitted by the white dwarf illuminates the surrounding gases, creating a breathtaking display of red, green, and blue hues. Delicate filaments of gas intertwine, sculpted by powerful stellar winds and radiant energy.

Its mesmerizing colors indicate the presence of hydrogen, ionized oxygen, and helium. This celestial oasis serves as a reminder of the vastness and wonders of the universe, inspiring a sense of awe and exploration.

The Dolphin Nebula showcases the beauty and complexity of the cosmos, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries beyond our world. Its celestial symphony of colors and structure leaves us humbled by the grandeur of the universe and eager to explore its secrets.

Telescope	Sharpstar 94EDPH
Aperture	94 mm
Focal length	414 mm
Mount	Rainbow Astro RST 135
Autoguiding	ZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
Camera	ZWO 2600MM @-10°C
Corrector	F4.4 Quad Reducer
Filters	Antlia SHO 3 nm
Exposure	98x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2023-05-13

Leo triplet

April 25, 2023 JakubK

Galaxy

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Antlia V-Pro RGB DSO Galaxies Gemini gf53 Leo Leo Triplet M65 M66 Newton 254/1000 NGC3628 TS MaxField coma corrector ZWO ASI 2600MM

Leo triplet is a group of galaxies in the constellation Leo. It contains galaxies NGC 3628 (upper left), Messier 65 (upper right), and Messier 66 (middle down). These galaxies are visible nicely in spring when the constellation Leo rises in the southern part of the sky.

I captured the picture shown here last year, but I haven’t had time to process it so far. It is interesting to compare the progress I made in astrophotography in the last few years. I made the very first picture of this group of galaxies in 2015 and for the first time, I used Pixinsight software for post-processing. The improvement over the freeware Deep Space Stacker was enormous. Similar boost I got recently when I installed BlurXterminator (Pixinsight plugin), which significantly improved the sharpness, but without any unrealistic artifacts.

Telescope	Newton 254/1000 mm
Aperture	254 mm
Focal length	950 mm
Mount	Gemini G53f
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, TS 60/240 mm
Camera	ZWO 2600MM @-10°C
Corrector	MaxField coma corrector
Filters	Antlia V-Pro LRGB
Exposure	L26x RGB15x 180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2022-03-05

M63 Sunflower galaxy

March 21, 2023 JakubK

Galaxy

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Antlia V-Pro RGB Canes Venatici DSO Galaxy Gemini gf53 M63 Messier63 Newton 254/1000 Sunflower galaxy Tele Vue Parakorr ZWO ASI 2600MM

Messier 63 is a stunning spiral galaxy located about 37 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici. The galaxy gets its name from the striking pattern of dust and gas that resembles the petals of a sunflower surrounding its bright yellow core.

The Sunflower Galaxy was first discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1779 and later added to the Messier catalog by Charles Messier in 1781. With an apparent magnitude of 8.6, it is easily visible with a small telescope or binoculars.

Spring is a great time to observe galaxies like Messier 63 because, during this season, the Earth is oriented in such a way that we are looking out towards the outer regions of our Milky Way galaxy. This means that the sky is darker and clearer, providing ideal conditions for observing distant galaxies.

Telescope	Newton 254/1000 mm
Aperture	254 mm
Focal length	1150 mm
Mount	Gemini G53f
Autoguiding	ZWO 174MM, TS 60/240 mm
Camera	ZWO 2600MM @-10°C
Corrector	Tele Vue Paracorr Type-2
Filters	Antlia Ha, 3 nm, V-Pro RGB
Exposure	4x24x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date	2023-03-21

AstroFotoBlog

Tag: DSO

NGC 7293 Helix Nebula

NGC 104 Globular Cluster

IC 2177 Seagull Nebula

Cat’s Paw and Prawn Nebulae

M78 Nebula

NGC 300 Sculptor Pinwheel Galaxy

Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), and the dust around

M42 Orion Nebula

Lagoon Nebula (M8) and Trifid Nebula (M20)

NGC 55 String of Pearls Galaxy

Dark Nebula in the constellation Corona Australis

Whirlpool Galaxy

M101 Pinwheel galaxy

Dark nebulae in Taurus

Sh2-91 supernova remnant in Cygnus

Vela Supernova Remnant

NGC 3576 The Statue of Liberty Nebula

Sh2-308 Dolphin Nebula

Leo triplet

M63 Sunflower galaxy

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