Sunday, May 11, 2008

The Whirlpool Galaxy




Last night I imaged M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy, with my StarShoot camera & 4.5" F/4 reflector.
The first photo is a stack of twenty, 30 second exposures.
Second photo is a stack of ten, 40 second exposures.
Third photo is black & white, stack of twenty 30 second exposures.

Comet Boattini


Comet C/2007 W1 Boattini could reach 4.5 magnitude in June 2008 but at that time it will only be visible from the southern hemisphere. By the last week of May it may be too low in the southwest evening sky for a good view.
Comet Boattini was 7th magnitude object on May 4th. An easy target for my 4.5" telescope and StarShoot camera.
This photo is a stack of 10 forty second exposures. Click on the photo to enlarge for the best view.