Astrophotography by Keith B. Quattrocchi

NGC 6946
Spiral Galaxy In Cepheus
LLRGB Image
Published:  Sky and Telescope Gallery, February 2008

Copyright 2007
Keith B Quattrocchi

                                
Image Acquisition Information                      
 
Telescope:   16" RCOS Ritchey-Chretien Telescope (ion milled at f/9) 
Camera: SBIG STL-6303 M
Guiding:  Astrodon  MOAG AOG (SBIG 237 with .65 FLR)
Filters:  Astrodon L, R, G, B
Mount:  Software Bisque Paramount ME
Acquisition Programs:   The Sky,CCDAutopliot III, CCD Soft. 
Processing Programs: CCDStack, Maxim DL, Photoshop
Date:Sept 9 -Sept 16, 2007                               
Time:30 x 20 min for L (10 hrs) and  20 x 20 min for RGB ( 20 hrs).                
Processing:  CCD Stack and PhotoShop CS/2
 
Image Information:  NGC 6946, at 10 million light years distance, is known for it's unusually large number of supernovas.
Processing Comments:  The image is an RGB Color image, combined in Maxim DL.  L and RGB combined in Photoshop CS2. Data stretching (curves) and further processing (minimal) in Photoshop CS/2. Image intentionally under processed to decrease artifact.