M96 (March 25, 2012)

M96 is between 26.4 and 56 million light years away, but estimates cluster around 35 million light years.  M96 is found in the constellation Leo, not far (well, relatively speaking) from M95.  The ring of M96 is quite faint.  It does not stand out well against my light-polluted sky.  But I am here for the exploration, after all, and this is what appears in my 2.26-hour set of exposures.  Enjoy!

Telescope: Orion 254mm f/4.7 Newtonian and Baader RCC1
Camera and Exposure: SXVF-H9, 17x8'
Filter: IDAS-LPS2
Guiding: SX Lodestar and SX OAG
Mount: Takahashi NJP
Software: Nebulosity, Maxim DL, Photoshop CS3
Location: The Woodlands, TX