M64 – The Black Eye Galaxy in Coma Berenices

Telescope: Astro-Tech RC8 @ f/8, Orion Atlas EQ-G

Camera: Baader modified Nikon D610, Baader Mk III MPCC

Filter: Orion Imaging Skyglow Filter

Guide scope: Astro-Tech 60mm, Starlight Xpress Super Star, PHD2

Exposure: 10x120sec, ISO 400, saved as RAW

Darks: Internal (Long Exposure Noise Reduction On)

Flats: 32×1/25sec, Tee shirt flats taken at dusk

Average Light Pollution: Red zone, Bortle 8, fair transparency

Lensed Sky Quality Meter: 18.6 mag/arc-sec^2

Stacking: Mean with a 2-sigma clip.

White Balance: Nebulosity Automatic

Software: Backyard Nikon, Deep Sky Stacker, Photoshop

M64 is a beautiful spiral galaxy in Coma Berenices and is an easy target for small telescopes. It has a very soft spiral structure with a distinctive dust lane that gives it its nickname; the Black Eye Galaxy. Interestingly, the interstellar gas in the outer region of the galaxy is rotating in the opposite direction to the stars and gas in the inner regions, the scars of a collision with another galaxy a long time ago.

This target definitely needs more subs, but I lost about hald of the source images to passing clouds. I hope to get another chance yet this year, but I may have to wait until next year to try again. So much to try, so few clear nights.

M64 is currently well placed high in the northeast after sunset.