This image was taken with the Meade focal reducer and the scope operating at f6.6.   The exposure is a combination of three 20 minute images guided with the STAR 2000.  I also used the IDAS light pollution filter.  The images were color converted and combined in Astro Art and final processing was performed in Photoshop.  I used a Gaussian Blur mask to blend a single 20 minute exposure into the 40 minute exposure in order to capture both the bright central area and the dim arms.  The noise in the background is due in part to the Max Ent processing in Astro Art.  Total exposure time: 40 min   Click here to go back.