Virgo Cluster - A (literally) wide glimpse at (part of) the Virgo Cluster. A 2-panel mosaic 

What’s in the picture(s)
Virgo Cluster - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgo_Cluster
Quote: “The Virgo Cluster is a relatively small cluster of galaxies whose center is 53.8 ± 0.3Mly (16.5 ± 0.1 Mpc)[2] away in the constellationVirgo. Comprising approximately 1,300 (and possibly up to 2,000) member galaxies, the cluster forms the heart of the larger Virgo Supercluster, of which the Local Group (containing our Milky Way galaxy) is a member.”

Markarian’s Chain - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markarian%27s_Chain
Quote: “Markarian's Chain is a stretch of galaxies that forms part of the Virgo Cluster. When viewed from Earth, the galaxies lie along a smoothly curved line. Charles Messier first discovered two of the galaxies, M84 and M86, in 1781”

What was the experience
As intended, I made a relatively decent attempt at stitching my 2 images of the Virgo area together, including Markarian’s Chain, both posted previously on Astrobin as images in their own right.
MC01 https://astrob.in/6ixw6l/0/
MC02 https://astrob.in/f46gc4/0/

I had hoped to capture more images to make a bigger mosaic of the area, but that’s probably going to be for next year, weather permitting.

My previous/first mosaic of the Orion Complex was hard work. This one seemed to be relatively simple and straightforward. The only issue with the data is the quality of my background. I think I will need to get a re-run of the flats … too many dust bowls lurking in the background. I hope I’ve managed to smoothen them away slightly …

At least, as a result, a wide field (literally) of a part of the Virgo Area / Cluster. An area in space littered with galaxies. Some of them on the Messier list: M84, M86, M88, M90, M91 and a host of NGC’s and IC’s. If the number of galaxies in this image is dazzling. Just image what this means for the number of stars 😮 … Have fun counting 😉

How it was done
Scope: TS94 APO (FL 414mm)
Mount: EQ6-R Pro
Camera: ASI2600MC Pro
Photons:
MC01 (Right) 20220222-24-25 L-Pro 180s 107x
MC02 (Left) 20220226-0226-0303 L-Pro 180s 92x
Processing: PixInsight (Mac)

What have I learned from this
It’s by first doing the difficult projects, that you learn the skills for the ‘easier’ ones.

Clear Skies everybody! 🤩✨🔭

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