A beautiful planetary nebula high in the sky in late February.

Details

• Rig: Player One Ares-M Pro + Tecnosky RC8 + EQ6R-Pro
• Software: NINA/PixInsight
• Filters: Astronomik LRGB
• Constellation: Ursa Major

Notes

Hardly enough frames were captured this evening to make a viable image. In spite of the noise the central star and a hint of the red outer halo can be seen. More integration badly needed!

M97 is a planetary nebula at a distance of just over 2000 light years in Ursa Major. Estimates put its age at 8000 years. The 14th magnitude central star has passed the turning point from its initial outburst and is now condensing to the point where it becomes a white dwarf. The nebulosity is formed of outwardly moving material driven by the central star’s stellar wind.

    Integration time (running total):
    * L 6 X 120s (12m)
    * R 7 X 120s (14m)
    * G 6 X 120s (12m)
    * G 7 X 120s (14m)
    * Total: 52m