The Triangulum Galaxy located in the constellation Triangulum is 2.7 million light years from Earth and is the second closest galaxy to our own Milky Way Galaxy and is part of the local group. The galaxy is rich in H2 star forming regions. Close examination reveals the spherical hydrogen gas being blown from the new formed stars. This image was taken with an ASI2600MM camera. John took RGBL and Ha narrow band data. Most of this data was taken at Craters of the Moon and Massacre Rocks. The telescope used was Explorer Scientific APO 104mm f7.
Lon Blume can definitely deliver when it comes to jaw dropping shots of the moon. Here we have a shot of the western lunar maria with a stunning view of the termination line.
This photo of the Leo Triplet is brought to us by club member Jeff Reitzel. The Leo triplet is a small group of Galaxies seen in the Constellation Leo. It consists of three spiral galaxies identified as Messier 65, Messier 66, and NGC 3628 located about 35 million light years from Earth. This group is very unique in that you see each galaxy from a very different angle ranging from face-on to edge-on. This was imaged using a Stellarvue SVX127D scope and QHY410C ca.
This outstanding photo is brought to us by club member Jeff Reitzel. NGC 281 aslo known as the Pac-man Nebula, it is a popular target for amateur astronomers due to its resemblance to the popular arcade character when seen in larger images. It is found in the Constellation Cassiopeia and actually located about 10,000 light years away in the Perseus Arm of our galaxy. Jeff’s goal for this photo was to capture detail of the intricate structure within the core area. It is full of dark dust lanes and Bok Globules all in the process of condensing to eventually ignite into new stars. A lot of this was done at our clubs observing site near Massacre Rocks. Imaged with a Stellarvue SVX127D scope, QHY268M camera, and narrow band filters (Ha, Oiii, Sii).
This photo is brought to us by club member Jeff Reitzel taken of comet Leonard 3 December 2021, during its closest approach to Earth. As it looped around the Sun in early January this comet fractured and developed an amazing tail, far longer and brighter than anyone expected. Unfortunately this display was only visible from Earth’s Southern Hemisphere as the Comet was traveling back towards deep space. This comet originated from the extreme edge of our solar system and will not return for at least 80,000 years, if it ever does. This was using a Stellarvue SVX102T scope and QHY268M camera with LRGB filters.
This is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. The colors are done in Hubble Pallet format (SHO). The blue area is strong in Oxygen and this are is most visible with a telescope and UHC filter. John Reed took this photo in Oct 2022. It reminds him of a wizard performing magic with his two hands. He has a long beard that is golden and hat to match protruding in an arch. Taken with Explorer Scientific 104mm f7 Triplet and ASI2600MM camera.
