M31 - The Andromeda Galaxy (2003)
An earlier attempt at M31, the Andromeda Galaxy. A 2004 attempt, a 2005 three-panel mosaic (with the full writeup on this object), and the newest eight-panel mosaic from 2019 are also on file.
Location: Ballauer Observatory in Azle, Texas
Date and Time: December 30, 2003 @ 11:00PM
Seeing: 8/10 (1.4 FWHM)
Transparency: 3/10
Equipment: Tak FSQ-106 @ f/5, and Celestron CGE mount
Camera: SBIG ST-7E with CFW-8a filter wheel, SBIG standard filters
Exposure Info: LRGB image (7 x 10 min L, 3 x 5 min R, 3 x 5 min G, 7 x 5 min B)
Processing Information: MaxIm (Darks, align/combine, and digital development), Photoshop 7 (Levels, Curves, Blur/Sharpening, masking and blending, color balance)
Other exposure info: This shot was taken with a string taped over the aperture end of the scope in a cross pattern. This creates the four-point diffraction pattern on the brighter stars in the image. It's just a personal preference.