MalloryMar 1
I did a little experiment this week for funsies. Last week I posted a pic of M81 and M82 that I got with my Seestar S30, and I decided to replicate it with my best astrophotography rig (Askar 130PHQ + ASI2600MC). Obviously, there's a huge difference between the two setups, but I stuck with 60 second subs like I did on the S30, about the same integration time, exactly the same light pollution level, and processing was done with the same tools.

This gives you an idea of how much more detail is available using a scope that's ~7x larger and a better camera.

Full resolution and capture details: https://app.astrobin.com/i/c24ufh?r=0

#astronomy #astrophotography #SeestarS30
Show threadBluejayMar 1

@malcircuit What a great comparison! What’s stunning about the clarity of the second one is that, along the top third of the image, I can see at least two smudges no larger than stars that appear to be very distant galaxies. Have those been identified?

While M1 and M2 are better in the second one, weirdly I think I prefer the stars in the first, which have more of a glow around them. I think stars become a bit less interesting the more they resolve into sharp pinpoints.😅

Show threadMalloryMar 1
Show threadBluejayMar 1
@malcircuit Wow, thanks! Top center and top right were the ones I noticed. Interesting to see the other ones.
Show threadMarc
@bluejay @malcircuit also those two are only one bulb in the first one
Mar 1 at 6:38pmWeb