Click for Higher Resolution Version>

Date

2005

Location

Kingman AZ

Software

CCDSoft, MaxIm DL

Mount

OGS Custom

Guide

STV w/ OAG

 Optic

OGS 32" R-C

Camera

STL-11000M

Filter

Astrodon L/R-G-B

Exposure

12 x 300 / 4 x 300s

Process

Photoshop CS2

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Billions and Billions.com/Sunflower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Sunflower in Canes Venatici- M63 

M63 is physically related to its constellation's other beautiful member, M51 The Whirlpool.  Both are about 37,000,000 light years away from us.  The Sunflower was the first discovery of Messier's friend Pierre Mechain.  The staggering distance does not dilute the galaxy's overwhelming beauty, truly reminiscent of a Sunflower standing in a warm French meadow.  Many thanks to Mr. Jim Misti of Misti Mountain Observatory for this fantastic data.  Click the image for a larger version or return to the Gallery