Supernova SN2023ixf captured with new telescope
M101 - SN2023ixf captured with the new Planewave CDK14 and ZWO ASI6200MM. Total three hours of exposure using LRGB broadband filters.
On 19 May 2023, a supernova was discovered in the Pinwheel galaxy (M101). By 23 May it had increased in brightness to magnitude 11, making it a great object to photograph with even modest telescopes. Lots of beautiful captures of this somewhat rare phenomenon have been shot over the past few weeks. The supernova is classified as a class II supernova. Class II means that the core collapses, so this SN will likely leave either a neutron star or a black hole.
As it happened, the new long focal length telescope had arrived a few weeks ago and installation had almost be completed. The supernova would make a great target for first light with this system. At my altitude of 53º, there is no astronomical darkness at this time of year, and SQM values did not get higher than 18.5. But I was able to shoot 3h of LRGB data with the new system. Enough to show the supernova as a very bright star in one of the spiral arms.
The system is still being dialed in correctly. Collimation has not been touched yet, and while looking remarkably good after transport, could still use a bit of tweaking.
Comparison with an image captured in 2019. The supernova really stands out. Conditions with the new scope were sub-optimal, but first results look rich in detail and promising.