M87 Wide Field
M87 Wide Field
This is a wide view of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies centered on M87. Many other bright galaxies can be seen in this image, including part of Markarian's Chain and The Eyes. M87 itself has an enormous, active black hole in the center that is launching a jet of material out of the galaxy at 99% the speed of light!

Telescope: Celestron RASA 11'' f/2.2
Filter: Optolong L-Pro 2''
Camera: ZWO ASI094 MC-P Color
Mount: Celestron CGX-L
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI290-Mini
Guide Scope: ZWO 60 mm f/4.6
Motorized Focuser: Feather Touch Focus Boss
Software: SharpCAP, Celestron PWI, StarTools, PHD, ImagesPlus, Photoshop CS4, FocusLynx
Image Capture: 40 seconds x 229 frames, Darks, Flats, Bias
Capture Location: Kennewick, Washington
Date: 3/21/2020
Weather: Clear and calm some high overcast
Other Info: Interesting diffraction rings around around the bright stars and galaxies that I think were caused by very good focus and short exposures. They are very prominent in the individual frames and an unprocessed image stack.
Additional Processing: Dan Gerhards
Photo by Phil Holt