M97 owl nebula

M97 is one of the largest planetary nebulas (diameter about 3'), but difficult to observe because of the low superficial brightness. The colors are very subtle that start with a blue/green in the center to the red on the border. His name is due to the big dark features that resembles two big eyes. In the center the star is of magnitude 14. The limiting magnitude of thi image is 19.5, not very bad of an urban sky!
Two small galaxies are also visible,
PGC 34279 on the lower part is partially covered from a star, and PGC 2490291 on the top, an edge on spiral galaxy.
 

Technical Data
Optics Newton 310mm Maccagnan
Focal Lenght 1560mm
Focal Ratio f/5
Exposure Time and filters LRGB 75:25:25:25 (single exposures of 5 min), total exposure 2h40m
CCD FLI ME2
Sensor Kaf-402me grade 2
Chip temperature -34°C
Location Tradate (VA, in Pianura Padana, Italy) at 300m
Date and time of exposure start 30 december 2005, 1.11 UT
Mount Gemini G41
Tracking ST4 with Pentax 75 at 1000mm
Temperature and humidity T=-10°C, RH=30%
Notes

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