Enhanced version with color
M33 -
Pinwheel Galaxy (reduced/no enhancement)
Enhanced version with color
| Scope | f | Mount | Camera | Film | Exposure | Digital info | Location | Date |
| Meade 16" LX200 | f3.3 | LX200 | SBIG ST-7 | n/a | 16 x 5 minute exposures binned 1x1 | Processed with MaximDL | Kitt Peak Advanced Observers Program, AZ | Oct. 1999 |
Notes from Adam Block of Kitt Peak: M33 is a very nearby spiral galaxy at a distance of 3 million light years away. It is close enough that under dark skies it can easily be seen in binoculars. In addition, its nearness makes the galaxy appear large in angular size on the night sky. Our telescope is unable to accommodate the full size of the galaxy in a single exposure. Instead, it is necessary to take many pictures of the galaxy (different regions) and stitch them into a large mosaic of images. This image is the result of 16 exposures. Indeed it is the first attempt at a mosaic (several years ago) done at the Visitor Center Observatory. Not bad for a first try... but it needs a little work!
Additional notes: There are gaps in the data that appear as star-less black holes or areas where the brightness levels are not equal.