M63 (2023)

Messier 63 (a.k.a. M63, NGC 5055, or the Sunflower Galaxy) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. At approximately 30 million light-years away and 100 thousand across the galaxy contains a central disc surrounded by many short spiral arm segments. It is part of the M51 Group, a group of galaxies that also includes M51 (the 'Whirlpool Galaxy'). Also of note, in 1971, a supernova with a magnitude of 11.8 appeared in one of the arms. The spiral nature of the arms appears to be discontinuous and loose in visible light so it is also considered a flocculent galaxy.

This is a very popular image among astrophotographers so it may be surprising that it is only the second time I imaged this, the first time was an unimpressive attempt from over six years ago. As usual I have three different versions differing mainly in the color and not which is the best. However, I believe this version highlights the fine detail the best. I find these larger galaxies particularly challenging to process due to the color varitions.

I did not collect any hydrogen data but I wish I would have plenty of rich star forming Ha regions in this galaxy. One thing that I did not capture are some newly detected very faint arc star streams believed to be remnents of satellite galaxies distorted by tidal forces. To capture this a faster scope along with darker site would be required or highly recommended.  

I had to trash 120 exposures (one night's worth of data) due to smoke from wildfires in Alberta. Lastly, I seemed to have improved my star shapes by loosing and tightening the screws holding the dew heater ring which may have been pinching the corrector plate.

M63 (2023)
Dates: 5-9-23, 5-10, 5-11, 5-14
Camera: ZWO ASI294MC-Pro
Telescope: Celestron EdgeHD 800
Barlow: None
Focal Length: 2032mm (native), 1400mm
F/10 (native), F/7
Focal Reducer: Celestron 0.7 Reducer Lens
Mount: Orion Atlas Pro
Filter Adaptor: ZWO Filter Drawer
Filter: Optolong Luminosity
Focuser: ZWO EAF
Autoguiding: ASI120 Mini attached to an Orion ST80
Exposure: Lum 383 x 90
Gain: 139
Offset 0
Temp: 0 C
Processing: Asiair app, PixInsight, Photoshop, BlurXT, NoiseXT, StarX, Bill's Color Masks

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