Ballard Loc: Grass Valley, California

I got a few more clear nights so I took a few images of Messier object 33 (M33) in the constellation of Triangulum. M33 is member of what is know as the local group which also includes our galaxy, Andromeda (M31) and few others that are all gravitationally bound together. M33 is ~3 million light years away and somewhat smaller than our galaxy. These images where taken at a focal length of 4096mm (Prime focus for my Schmidt Cassegrain telescope, note: this galaxy is a bit large to completely fit into this focal). These images where made with a 60megapixel monochrome camera. The first image contains data using Luminance, Red, Green and Blue filters and then combining the data into a full color image. The second image added in data taken using a narrow band 5nm Hydrogen Alpha filter to the red channel. The hydrogen Alpha line shows where hydrogen gas is glowing due to ionization from UV star light. These regions typically indicate where new stars are being formed. The next two images are the same as the first two only color enhanced to really show the difference in color of the of the outer arms verses the center of the galaxy. The bluer outer arms contain more young blue stars while the center region has more old red stars. (Which images do you like best?). All questions, comments and suggestions are welcome.

LRGB version of M33

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LRGB with Hydrogen Alpha data added to the red channel (Note the bright red areas indicating star forming regions.

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Color enhanced version of the first image

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Color enhanced version of the second image

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sumo Loc: Houston suburb

Wow. Great images. Almost too hard to comprehend. We certainly are a mere speck of dust when viewing such photos and reading your description and attempting to understand it all. Far above my head

Tdearing Loc: Rockport, TX

Truly amazing photography. Thanks for sharing.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Amazing set.

george19

While the hydrogen alpha images may be of more scientific value, from an image standpoint I think the reds are a bit overblown.

I think I like the first image, without color enhancement, better.

Either way, a stunning effort.

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

Those... Are... Awesome! Very well done, and thank you for the explanation.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Very nice!

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Very well done!

Dan Thornton Loc: Corpus Christi, Texas

The first three are good for me. The fourth image looks over processed a bit resulting in harsh contrast. Nevertheless, I find them all to be amazing. Thanks for your explanation and posting.

John Matthews Loc: Wasilla, Alaska

First image

kpsk_sony

Great stuff, the galaxy or universe or all of creation!

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Outstanding results, Ballard. If you don't already, you should teach your techniques - maybe a series of YouTube videos.

anotherview Loc: California

Number One appeals more to my eye, and well done. The description partly goes beyond my layman's understanding. But I still gain a sense of the immensity of the cosmos.

This wording I'd never read before: "M33 is member of what is know as the local group which also includes our galaxy, Andromeda (M31) and few others that are all gravitationally bound together."

I feel my imagination leaping when contemplating one meaning of this force. Gravity pulls everything together over a great span.

Vaun's photography Loc: Bonney Lake, WA

Terrific work! Reminds me of a YouTube channel I watch on backyard astronomy. All beyond my abilities at this time.

Thanks for sharing.

birdman12 Loc: Pinopolis, SC

Thanks. Very impressive.