Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Astrophotography => Topic started by: Ivor on Nov 18, 2011, 13:32:12

Title: next target...
Post by: Ivor on Nov 18, 2011, 13:32:12
After far too many cloudy nights it looks like we might get some clear sky so I'm planning my next target. M74 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_74 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_74) has taken my eye but no one else has appear to have put an example up in the gallery for this so before I commit any time to it I wanted to check if this is a good target.

I'm using a FLT110 refractor and an unmodifed 400D.
Title: Re: next target...
Post by: RobertM on Nov 18, 2011, 13:51:27
It needs a darkish sky but it's an excellent target oft neglected because of it's more popular neighbours.  I believe Mark attempted that a few weeks ago and it's also on my hit list for when I get a chance.

Robert
Title: Re: next target...
Post by: mickw on Nov 18, 2011, 14:04:59
You might find Ron Wodaski's "CCD Calc" useful to see the size of the image you will get

http://www.newastro.com/book_new/camera_app.php (http://www.newastro.com/book_new/camera_app.php)
Title: Re: next target...
Post by: MarkS on Nov 18, 2011, 17:00:11
Quote from: RobertM
I believe Mark attempted that a few weeks ago and it's also on my hit list for when I get a chance.

Not me - I've never tried that galaxy.  It looks like a pretty small galaxy and probably rather challenging.  Looking forward to seeing it!

Mark
Title: Re: next target...
Post by: RobertM on Nov 18, 2011, 17:41:37
Doh, my brain is going/gone - why did it read M78 and not M74 !