The second test of my new equatorial platform was NGC 281, the Pacman nebula. I tweaked some settings in PHD2 and got phenomenal results, with 40 of 43 images being perfect! Each image is a one minute exposure at 1600 ISO.
Incredible detail is revealed from the longer exposures. Not only is the dynamic range of the image increased, but the contrast is remarkable. You can see several pillars of gas in the bottom and left of the inside of the gas cloud, as well as a void where several stars have formed.
