CITSO Blog: A Spiral Galaxy, Bar None!
M109 in Ursa Major
Imaged April 20-23 2012
Click the image for the high resolution version!
M109 in Ursa Major.
Imaged April 20-23 2012, 8 hours total.
L=240 minutes (1x1), R=80m, G=80m, B=80m (2x2). Subs=10m.
Telescope=PlaneWave CDK17, Camera=SBIG STL-4020M, Mount=Paramount ME.
PlaneWave focal reducer (f/4.5). Baader filters.
Frames acquired with TheSky X, MaxIm DL, and Focusmax.
Processed with PixInsight and CCDInspector.
This was my first chance to use my gear since last September, having been frustrated by work, weather, and Moon all this time. Spring is galaxy season, and I went after M109 because of the big bar that anchors its spiral arms! Is this the best of the barred spirals, for both brightness and the prominence of the bar? Either way, it's a fascinating object!
Copyright © 2014 Howard Trottier