M81, M82 (Bode's Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy)

 Posted: Feb 15th, 2026
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NGC
IC
HD
Technical Info
Telescope/Lens: Askar SQA 85 мм f/4.8
Camera: ZWO ASI 183 MC
Mount: Ioptron HAE 29 C
Guide Scope: Askar 52 мм F4
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI 120 MM mini
Software: SharpCap 4.0, Siril, GraXpert, Adobe Photoshop
Exposure:
61 x 300" ISO/Gain: 120 - Фильтр IR CUT
Orange, Bortle 6 zone:
 Petushki Vladimirskaya Oblast, Russia
 Apr 20th, 2025
5 h 5 m
331
Resolution: 3475x2250 px
Scale: 326 KB
I continue to try out Ricardo's new VeraLux scripts for Siril. I recommend everyone try the VeraLux Curves script—it's an absolutely amazing tool.

The VeraLux SyQon script is equally interesting. I think with time and some refinement, it could replace Starnet.
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Comments

Did the bright dust overexpose the cores?
15 Feb, 2026 Reply
Ryjov Aleksey Replied to Poppy8micro
Yes, I was trying to find a middle ground, plus I haven't quite mastered the scripts yet.
15 Feb, 2026 Reply
Yas Replied to Ryjov Aleksey
Probably should have masked the cores.
16 Feb, 2026 Reply
Ryjov Aleksey Replied to Yas
Yes, I think it can and should be refined, but I want to gather another 5 or 7 hours of exposure time in the spring, then I'll work on it.
16 Feb, 2026 Reply
This pair isn't for a 400mm focal length scope. You need about twice that! You can check out my results at 950mm focal length. If I'm lucky, I'll get a chance to reshoot it at 750mm focal length, but this time at F/3.75 instead of F/4.75.
15 Feb, 2026 Reply
The photo lacks contrast; the stretch is too gentle.
19 Feb, 2026 Reply
Ryjov Aleksey Replied to Konfuz
Perhaps I'm mastering new scripts! There's room for improvement.
19 Feb, 2026 Reply

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