My last attempt at imaging resulted in 'finger-like' smudges on all images (which were processed out using flat frames). I found that the ZWO ASI2600 thermal grease under the sensor had leaked, causing the finger smudges. I cleaned the sensor.
The NGC 4490 and NGC 4485 are a pair of interacting galaxies. The 2 galaxies have already made their closest approach and are rushing away from each other. NGC 4490 was once a barred spiral galaxy however the outlying regions have been stretched out due to the close approach of NGC 4485, resulting in it's nickname 'Cocoon Galaxy'. NGC 4490 is about 25 million light years away and NGC 29 million light years away.
I started imaging around 8:30PM and concluded at about 3AM. I used my 11 inch SCT with 0.7 focal reducer along with ZWO ASI2600 OSC camera. I was able to collect 160 images (2 minutes, -10C, gain 100, binned 1x1). 50 flats were also taken.
Processing was done using PixInsight using mostly my standard set of tools.
Even though the sky was very bright, I am pleased with the result.
Roger
- NGC 4490 Master_DBE_SPCC_BXT_NXT_GHS_MLTsharp_Curves_Crop._MLT5321_MLTsharp_Curves.jpg (9.8 MiB) Viewed 7648 times
