The M81 Group

[Andy Elliott]

Recently I have been using a dual band filter on my OSC camera in an attempt to add Ha and or OIII data to my RGB images. The filter I have been using is the budget priced, Askar Colour Magic C1 Ha/OIII filter; which I think performs very well.

This is my latest effort, a cropped image of the M81 Group, which comprises Bode's Galaxy (M81), Cigar Galaxy (M82), and The Garland Galaxy (NGC 3077).

Although Bode's and The Cigar are popular targets for astrophotographers, NGC 3077 is often overlooked. This peculiar galaxy is certainly worth a closer look. The galaxy is a disrupted elliptical galaxy probably as a result of gravitational interaction with its 2 larger neighbours. Its unique appearance is attributed to the presence of bright, young star clusters and nebulae scattered throughout its intertwined spiral arms, creating a garland-like effect.

Integration time: RGB: 14hrs; Ha: 19hrs

Processed in Pixinsight and PS

The annotated high-res image and acquisition details can be viewed here: https://astrob.in/85ig4e/0/

Thanks for looking.

 

[JimFox]

Very nice work Andy! It's great seeing this wider view of that area to include NGC 3077.

I have been doing something similar as you, though I don't use a RGB filter on my OSC camera, I use the L-Pro and now the L-Quad at all times. I like how it defines the wave lengths better then an RGB filter. Then I use the Antlia ALP-T for Narrowband and then to add that Ha signal to the Broadband filter. So your idea here is very similar, and I like the result.

 

[Andy Elliott]

Very nice work Andy! It's great seeing this wider view of that area to include NGC 3077.

I have been doing something similar as you, though I don't use a RGB filter on my OSC camera, I use the L-Pro and now the L-Quad at all times. I like how it defines the wave lengths better then an RGB filter. Then I use the Antlia ALP-T for Narrowband and then to add that Ha signal to the Broadband filter. So your idea here is very similar, and I like the result.

Thanks Jim. I think the Ha data really enhances some images, so I am thinking of using the dual band filter on targets which I already have OSC data. I might get the OIII/SII filter and have a go at SHO using the OSC camera, although I am a little loathe to make the ASI1600MM redundant.

 

[Mike Lewis]

Great work - love the IFN and the inclusion of the often overlooked NGC 3077. Great descriptive write-up too. I have not done much so far with my portable setup that uses a OSC camera, but I do have some Altair dual band NB filters for that setup (an Hα/Oiii filter and a Oiii/Sii filter) and I must say they are very nice for imaging in NB with OSC cameras, as you have shown here with your excellent result.

ML