M97, M108 - 3.3.2022 at 22.05 - 4.3.2022 at 02.51 Helsinki Observation number 105746

Visibility IV / V

Tero Hiekkalinna, Ursa (Helsinki)

The surfboard galaxy (Messier 108) and the Owl Nebula (Messier 97) are located in the constellation of the Big Bear. The distance of the galaxy from Earth is about 14 million light-years and the nebula about 2030 light-years. Exposure in this image for 8 hours and 50 minutes

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Additional information

Observation target
- Deep space object
Designation
- M97, M108
Constellation
- Ursa Major

Galaxies
- Spiral galaxy
  
  Spiral galaxy is a stellar system where there are outwards arched spiral arms from roundish (spiral galaxies) or bar-shaped (barred spiral galaxies) central condensation.
  
  The apparent shape of spiral galaxied depends on out observation direction. From above they are quite round. From the side they lens-shaped with a bulge in the middle.
  
  Generally a rather large instrument, good weather conditions and observational expereince are needed to see spiral arms. Usually spiral galaxies look like a fuzzy spots.
  
  Spiral galaxy M33 in Triangulum. Image Tero Turunen.
  
  Andromeda Galaxy M31. There are also galaxies M110 (upper right corner) and M32 (lower left corner) in this image. Image Pekka Peura.
  
  M101 aka Pinwheel Galaxy in Ursa Major. Image Samuli Vuorinen.
  
  Spiral galaxy IC 342 aka Hidden Galaxy in Camelopardalis. Image Timo Inkinen.
  
  A sketch of spiral galaxy NGC 7331 in Pegasus. Image Juha Ojanperä.
Nebulae
- Planetary nebula
  
  Planetary nebula is the remnant of a death star. It could be ring-shaped, disc-like or spread out rather irregularly.
  
  With the exception of some nearest objects planetary nebulae have a small apparent diameter and they need a rather big instrument to be visible.
  
  Planetary nebula M27 aka The Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula. Image Juha Parvio.
  
  M76 aka The Little Dumbbell Nebula in Perseus. Image Rauno Päivinen.

Technical information

Stand: iOptron CEM60

Recording tube and camera: Sky-Watcher 80ED pro-series + ZWO ASI071MC Pro

Tracking tube and camera: Orion ShortTube 80mm + ZWO ASI120MM mini

Polar Orientation Tube and Camera: Celestron 9 × 50 Viewfinder Telescope + ZWO ASI224MC (Polar Orientation with SharpCap Pro)

Sky camera: ZWO ASI120MC

Engine focus: ZWO EAF

As imaging software I use: NINA - Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy 1.11, PHD2 and Cartes du Ciel.

Image Calibration, Stacking, and Processing: PixInsight 1.8

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M97, M108 - 3.3.2022 at 22.05 - 4.3.2022 at 02.51 Helsinki Observation number 105746