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This pair of galaxies consists of the Messier objects M65 (right) and M66 (left).
Together with NGC3628 they form a beautiful and photogenic group which is frequently referred to as the Leo Triplett;
16" cassegrain in secondary focus at f/10
About this Image
M66 also is known as Arp 16 and shows some nice H-alpha areas and a faint halo).
Lying at a distance of some 35 million light years, it is probably physically related to the M96 group.
Technical Details
Optics
Mount
MK-100 GEM
Camera
SBIG STX-16803 at -30C, STX filter wheel
Filters
Baader LRGB 65x65mm filters
Date
March-April 2010
Location
Wildon/Austria
Sky Conditions
mag 5-5.5 sky, 1.8-2.2" FWHM, temperature 0-10 C
Exposure
L:R:G:B = 200:60:60:60 minutes (20-minute sub-exposures),
Programs used:
Maxim DL 5
CCDStack
FitsLiberator
Photoshop CS3