The Astronomy hobby thread

[masraum]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Just remember it is tiny, teeny tiny. It'll look like a pea crossing a pizza.

Wow, REALLY tiny.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl

I'm gonna miss the transit. No solar equipment in my stable at this time.

you can use Baader film on your OTA.

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

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.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl

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

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

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.

[Eric Hahl]

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

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl

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

Very nice. Thanks for the photos.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl

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

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

[Eric Hahl]

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

[Eric Hahl]

Shot this last night. The Flaming Star nebula and Tad poles. 7 hours of exposures, 10 minutes each.

[Pazuzu]

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...

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

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.

[Eric Hahl]

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.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

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

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

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

You are welcome and thanks for enjoying them.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl

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.

Good planetary fun to be had with that.

[Scott Douglas]

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

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl

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.

Wow, very nice score!

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

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

Thanks Scott.

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by masraum

Wow, very nice score!

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!