This image was taken using the Meade f3.3 focal reducer on my 8" f10 LX 200.    Using this focal reduce with my JMI NGF-S moto focuser results in a focal ratio of about f4.6   The image is a composite of several individual images.  They were first color converted with AstroArt and then further processed  in Photoshop.   I used a mask in Photoshop to keep some detail in the central regions.  This technique was expalined by Jerry Lodriguss in the Jan 2001 issue of Sky & Telescope.  It was the first image I made with the STAR 2000 auto tracker.  There was some high clouds and haze, but the image finally came through.  I also had a poor flat field, but after three failed processing attempts I finally got a decent image.  Total exposure is 70 minutes.  Click here to go back.