Galaxy Parade: Capturing Markarian’s Chain from my Backyard
Just checked off a long-time bucket list project: imaging Markarian’s Chain – an iconic string of galaxies in the Virgo Cluster – right from my backyard!
I fully automated the session using NINA’s advanced sequencer: cooled the camera, calibrated guiding, set up a meridian flip, autofocus triggered by HDR changes, dithered every 5 frames, and got real-time progress updates via Groundstation and LightBucket NINA plugins – all running on a mini PC I controlled from indoors.
The setup I used for this imaging session includes my new Juwei 17 harmonic mount, a carbon fiber tripod, the imaging train and a mini PC.
I acquired the images with a Mele Quieter 4C mini PC, processed the images with PixInsight, BlurXTerminator, NoiseXTerminator, and GIMP. Calibration frames included 20 darks, 10 flats, and 100 bias.
After 90 minutes of total integration, I am so thrilled to share the final result: I captured this breathtaking view where you can count 23 galaxies!
