These are my submission for the Sky-WatcherUSA Target of the Month (TOTM) for 2025. I tag posts related to the TOTM with the tag SkywatcherUSA TOTM.
February 2025 – LBN 777 – The Baby Eagle Nebula
TOTM Submission Date: 02/25/2025
Here is my attempt at LBN 777, Baby Eagle or Vulture Nebula, for the February 2025 Sky-WatcherUSA TOTM. I used the NINA framing assistant to center the FOV. Captured 11 x 180 second exposures before the clouds moved in on 02/01/2025. I had hoped to get another chance at it, but cloudy skies and time just got away from me. Stacked with Sirilic and processing in PixInsight.
It surprised me, especially considering the short amount of time.
Equipment
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
Primary Scope: Astro-Tech AT66ED, .8 Focal Reducer (320mm, F/4.8)
Filter: ZWO Duo-Band
Primary Camera: ZWO ASI 294MC Pro, Cooled to -10 C
Guide Scope: SVBONY SV106 60mm
Guide Camera: OSSAG
Software: NINA, Siril, PixInsight
Exposures: 120 x 180 seconds, 121 gain, 30 offset, bin 2×2
Blog post: http://www.suffolksky.com/2025/02/02/02-01-2025-lbn-777-the-baby-eagle-nebula-totm/
January 2025 – Barnard’s Loop
TOTM Submission Date: 01/03/2025
Here is my attempt at a portion of Barnard’s Loop for the January 2025 Sky-WatcherUSA TOTM. I framed up between NGC 2112 and M 78 and capture 120 x 180 second exposures overnight on 01/02/2025.
Equipment
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
Primary Scope: Astro-Tech AT66ED, .8 Focal Reducer (320mm, F/4.8)
Filter: ZWO Duo-Band
Primary Camera: ZWO ASI 294MC Pro, Cooled to -10 C
Guide Scope: SVBONY SV106 60mm
Guide Camera: OSSAG
Software: NINA, Siril, PixInsight
Exposures: 120 x 180 seconds, 121 gain, 30 offset, bin 2×2
Blog post: http://www.suffolksky.com/2025/01/03/01-02-2025-a-piece-of-barnards-loop/
