M51

After shooting the supernova in M82, I pointed the telescope at an object I have been trying to shoot many times. M51, the Whirlpool galaxy. But either it was too small in the scope, or the exposure was too short. But on monday, I decided to try exposing the rest of the night on this magnificent object. We see it almost straight down, and the spiral structure is clearly visible. It is obvious that I could probably spend more time enhancing this beautiful object. And I could probably spend some more time exposing. But for a first try both at a successful exposure, and at a reasonable size, I am happy.
Technical details : Pentax K5 DSLR @ISO800, 278x1m unguided exposures (total ~4.5 hours), TPO 6" Ritchey-Cretien w/Asrtophysics 0.67 reducer, riding on a Celestron Advanced VX mount. Stacked in DSS, enhanced in Maxim, PS and Irfanview. Click on the image for full size version.

Supernova SN2014J

Finally, after weeks of overcast and bad weather, the skies cleared last night, and I was able to capture an image of the famous supernova in M82. In the image below, it is framed with its trusty companion M81. I love this pair. One of my favorites. And now with an extra feature. A new star! Only that this is putting on its final show.
Pentax K5, ISO 800, 50x1min exp unguided, 6" TPO Ritchey-Cretien with Astrophysics 0.67 reducer on a Celestron Advanced VX mount. Stacked with DSS, enhanced in Maxim/Irfanview.