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| This image
was taken at the prime focus of my 8" f10 LX 200.    The
5 minute exposure was generated using the MX-5C and the STAR 2000 auto-tracker.  
One 5 minute exposure was processed in MaxIm DL and  Photoshop.  
All color conversion was accomplished in the STAR 2000 software. 
At magnitude 9.2, it is pretty bright and at a size of 17" it is less 1/2
the size that the  planet Jupiter appears to be.  This image
shows some nice detail inside the planetary, even though I had a tracking
problem.  I had forgotten to retrain the auto-tracker for the high
61 deg declination.   As a result only one of my three attempts
to image the nebula was successful. 
 The name "Blue
Snow Ball" accurately describes the visual appearance in a 6"-10" scope. 
My first view of it was through a 6" f8 reflector.  One of my more
memorable viewing experiences as this was the first time I had actually
found something less common than the brighter Meisser Objects.  |