Back in the Imaging Saddle Again!

Life in Idaho is good. WIth all the work getting our new home going I have not been attentive to my imaging pastime. Also, my Losmandy Gemini system never did work correctly, so I replaced it (used) via Astromart. Now I have an actually working go-to mount, although I had to wait for a system upgrade chip. Now the mount is working better than it ever has and I am happily shooting pics again.

Last night was my first successful foray into imaging here in the Idaho skies. I began my night by attempting M76 with a single four minute shot. This object was way too small for the scope I was using so I went to another object - BUT I was very pleased with the performance of the mount and system. This is a go-to with no correction; It is placed where the Gemini thought it should be. I should add that I synchronized the mount and added five additional stars for the model, then removed the reticle eyepiece and inserted the camera. I can live comfortably with this kind of go-to accuracy! My nights will be much more productive now.

This is the single frame. Notice how the camera has relatively little noise for an older DSLR - that's because it had just been turned on and had been sitting in the ambient 35 degree temperature for an hour or so. The later frames were noisier. Data follows the exposure. Will now be updating my astro blog weekly (I hope).

Man that is a dinky picture! Gonna have to do some linking to make this blog work. Here's the view I have in the back yard. I'm facing southeast when I took the shot. Excellent southern horizon to view. I'm in heaven - that is until the weather gets really cold! But that makes the camera work well right? : )

That big post behind my table is about 8 inches square. It doesn't know it yet but it is going to be my new pier soon. Anyone got a Losmandy MA adapter? The one that is made for the Meade tripod? One swipe with a chain saw and I'm in business. I hate leveling and setting up the tripod.

As you can see we have lots of room for other folks to visit and set up their gear. Six more acres in that field. Might have to get a  couple of informal star parties happening!

Check out the blog in a few days. I might have M33 (Triangulum Galaxy) posted by then.