M72

M72 represents the 39th Messier object I imaged over the past 6 months.  It is located approximately 58,000 light-years away in the constellation of Aquarius, contains over 160,000 stars, and 9.5 billion years old.  Although it is considered large at 100 light-years across it appears faint do to its great distance.  I managed to get 18 - 90 second sub-photos out of 32.  Unfortunately wispy clouds moved in.  Although weather was not cooperating I did get a chance to use my new Agena StarGuider II 50mm Mini Guide Scope with Helical Focuser.  It worked perfectly with the autoguider.  The Orion ST80 worked well but I wanted to lighten the load on the mount.  Also, I should be able to use this with my 8-reflector on the mount.

Closeup

Widefield

M72
Location: Happy Frog Observatory, Monroe, CT
Date/Time: 08/27/16 11:45 pm
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i, Backyard EOS
Telescope: Orion ED80 80mm f/7.5 Apochromatic Refractor Telescope
Barlow: None
Focal Length: 600mm
f/7.5
Mount: Orion Sirius EQ-G GoTo Telescope Mount
Filter: None
Autoguiding: QHY-5L-II-M attached to an Agena 50mm Guide Scope with Helical Focuser

Exposure: 18 x 90 sec (27 min)
ISO: 800
Temp: 37 C
Post Processing: Deep Sky Stacker, Photoshop, Lightroom