Caldwell 12 - Fireworks Galaxy
The Fireworks Galaxy (Caldwell 12) is a mid-sized spiral galaxy that resides on the border of the constellations Cepheus and Cygnus in our night sky. An unprecedented ten supernovae have been observed in the galaxy’s spiral arms since 1917, making it a popular object for both scientists and amateur astronomers alike.
December 23, 2024
Another new target for me. Caldwell 12, the Fireworks Galaxy. I had forgotten about this data, since the first time I attempted to process it, I was really struggling to get any signal. I rediscovered the data as I was doing a bit of annual file cleanup and decided I’d try again. I Blinked through the subframes and found that nearly half the data was ruined by clouds, which 100% explains why I struggled with it last time… I never blinked the subframes since the first and last few were good… I just assumed there weren’t any issues while the sequence ran overnight! I’m glad I rediscovered the data and was able to get a much better result.
Technical Details
Imaging Telescope: Orion Optics UK Ideal 8
Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
Filter: Antlia Tri-band RGB Ultra Filter - 2” Mounted
Accessories: ZWO ASIAIR Plus, ZWO EAF, ZWO Filter Drawer (Gen 2)
Software: PixInsight, BlurXterminator, GraXpert, SetiAstro Automatic DBE, SetiAstro Statistical Stretch
Guiding Telescope: SVBony SV106 60mm Guide Scope
Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI174MM
Imaging Dates: October 11, 2024
Frames (gain 101.0) f/4.9 -10c: 80x180” (4h)
Integration Time: 4h
Darks/Flats/Dark Flats: 30/30/30
Bortle Dark-Sky Scale: 6.00