M97 is one of the largest
planetary nebulas (diameter about 3'), but difficult to observe because
of the low superficial brightness. The colors are very subtle that
start with a blue/green in the center to the red on the border. His
name is due to the big dark features that resembles two big eyes. In
the center the star is of magnitude 14. The limiting magnitude of thi
image is 19.5, not very bad of an urban sky!
Two small galaxies are also visible, PGC 34279 on the lower part is partially
covered from a star, and PGC
2490291 on the top, an edge on spiral galaxy.
|
Technical Data
|
| Optics |
Newton 310mm
Maccagnan
|
| Focal Lenght |
1560mm |
| Focal Ratio |
f/5 |
| Exposure Time
and filters |
LRGB
75:25:25:25 (single
exposures of 5 min), total exposure 2h40m
|
| CCD |
FLI ME2 |
| Sensor |
Kaf-402me
grade 2 |
| Chip
temperature |
-34°C |
| Location |
Tradate (VA,
in Pianura
Padana, Italy) at 300m |
| Date and time
of exposure
start |
30 december
2005, 1.11
UT |
| Mount |
Gemini G41 |
| Tracking |
ST4 with
Pentax 75 at 1000mm
|
| Temperature
and humidity |
T=-10°C,
RH=30% |
| Notes |
|
