Wow, REALLY tiny.

https://s22380.pcdn.co/wp-content/up...enus-600px.jpg

you can use Baader film on your OTA.

Just remembered that I actually have a 5" solar filter from an older scope that'll work. I'll have to check it out if the clouds cooperate up here in the PNW.

if it's old check it for pin holes

It's actually not that old, just been out of sight and boxed up. Will check it for sure though.

Shot the Pleiades over two nights. 5 hours of exposures with Red, green and blue filters.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1572821832.jpg

Very nice. Thanks for the photos.

there are red stars on either side of Alcyone but I can't ID them. Do you know?

They just have GSC numbers according to my planetarium software, no name associated with them.

Shot this last night. The Flaming Star nebula and Tad poles. 7 hours of exposures, 10 minutes each.
https://cdn.astrobin.com/thumbs/Bwl-...0_wmhqkGbg.jpg

Let me ask you, now that imaging is in the 7-10 hour range, do you sit there and babysit it overnight, or is your setup stable enough that you can let it run unattended?

I spent plenty of nights at observatories doing overnight runs staring at computer screens, and it's a quick way to go insane...

Mostly everything is automated...except the dome slot and rotation. Still moving that by hand. I like being out there though. I've got a nice comfy cushion to lay on and sleep, or look up through the slot. I've got the interwebs, pandora, etc.

Picked up a used scope today. Hope it performs as well as I expect it to.
6" F6 fluorite triplet refractor with 4" Astro physics focuser.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1573163430.jpg

I have nothing to add other than Eric thanks for posting your photo's

You are welcome and thanks for enjoying them.

Good planetary fun to be had with that.

Count me as one of those who enjoy seeing your photos Eric. You're knocking them out of the park IMO.

Wow, very nice score!

Thanks Scott.

I just got an e-mail back from the manufacturer in Germany, APM Telescopes. Markus says this is an original LZOS (Russian) Fluorite triplet design in an APM made tube. Only two were ever made as they were too expensive to build.

Yeehaw! Guess I scored big time!