CCD Image of M17 an Emission Nebula in Sagitarius
Image of M17 in Sagitarius using AO
(AO is an abbreviation for Active Optics)
Benoit Schillings and I finally got the AO prototype into operation
for the first time in 1997 ( bad weather! ) and this images is from
the June 6 New Moon festivities at my place near Frazier Mtn
Sum of two images of 20 min duration
12.5-inch f/9 Ritchey w/ ST-7, R25 filter
Dark Frame = Average of 3 images
Flat Field = Average of 9 images
False color rendition
The distorted star images are thought to be
caused by a very bad Al coating. This defect
was not noticed until the AO system was used.
The mirrors are now being recoated
FWHM on the star images is 1.8 arc-seconds
SBIG will soon have a prototype of a commercial
AO system in field testing
Copyright 1997 Brad D Wallis
This Image may be used for personal, non-profit, or educational uses ONLY
Any other uses are expressly prohibited without the written consent
of Brad D Wallis