click image to enlarge, click here for maximum resolution
smoothed with SGBNR
click image to enlarge, click here for maximum resolution
Taken on August 12, 2004 from my backyard in Castro Valley, California
Takahashi FCT-76 imaging scope with Takahashi Focal reducer, f/4.5, F=342mm. This is the telescope that was used by Jay McNeil to discover his now-famous McNeil's Nebula back in January of 2004. I purchased the telescope from Jay in April of 2004.
Finger Lakes IMG6303E imaging camera at -37C (first light for camera) (here is the first flat: right click and then select "save target as" [ FIT , JPEG] )
Astro-Physics 80/900mm guidescope with adjustable rings
SBIG ST7E guide camera at -15C
Astro-Physics AP900GTO mount
FLI DF2 Digital Focuser
FLI CFW1 Color Filter Wheel
Custom Scientific AR-Coated narrowband emission line filters (50mm unmounted)
Ha 656.4nm CWL, 3nm FWHM
three exposures of 5 minutes Ha filter
Total exposure time = 15 minutes