Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) - SPA-2-CMOS

Just a week ago I had another post of M51, using the SPA-2 CCD (only 37 files), so I had already warmed up for this one :) The 305 files from SPA-2 CMOS certainly helped for the better result (despite the 4x bin applied by TL for this telescope). I've still produced the high resolution I was after in the end.

After 4-5 different process runs of the same CMOS data - Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) - SPA-2-CMOS bundle dataset, I'm happy to say I'm finally satisfied with the result which I am presenting to you today.

My astrophotography process flow is very iterative, and usually I go back to the beginning if I am not 100% happy with the outcome :) It has to be perfect, there's no other way! :)

I've combined/blended the stars and background from one of my processes with the galaxy processed separately, to get the best of both. Sharp detail, and strong (but not overkill) colors is what I was aiming for.

I really hope you love the result!