AstroBin saves small pieces of text information (cookies) on your device in order to deliver better content and for statistical purposes. You can disable the usage of cookies by changing the settings of your browser. By browsing AstroBin without changing the browser settings, you grant us permission to store that information on your device.
I agreeImaging telescope or lens:TPO 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph
Imaging camera:Nikon D5100
Mount:CGE Pro
Software:Main Sequence Software Sequence Generator Pro, PixInsight, Optec FocusLock (for ONAG), PHD2 Guiding
Accessories:Innovations Foresight On-axis guider, Starlight Xpress Lodestar X2, Optec TCF-S Focuser
Resolution: 4774x3101
Dates:Jan. 4, 2019, Jan. 5, 2019
Frames: 90x300" ISO800 bin 1x1
Integration: 7.5 hours
Darks: ~10
Flats: ~25
Bias: ~25
Avg. Moon age: 28.56 days
Avg. Moon phase: 1.31%
Bortle Dark-Sky Scale: 6.00
Mean SQM: 18.50
Temperature: -1.00
Astrometry.net job: 2454533
RA center: 85.299 degrees
DEC center: -2.206 degrees
Pixel scale: 0.612 arcsec/pixel
Orientation: 91.023 degrees
Field radius: 0.484 degrees
Locations: Home Observatory, Grandville, Michigan, United States
Data source: Backyard
Not too often there is clear nights around new moon in West Michigan. So I went after a winter target I have been wanting to spend time on for eons. Classic target that has been imaged so many times it is hard to make it unique or standout from the best. But getting this done with my own equipment and processing skills is very rewarding. Such is astrophotography!
So a couple lessons learned:
- Need to mod the Nikon D5100 to get better QE at the h-alpha line! It records, but as seen here, it is muted. This will be a step soon taken since a new camera is down the road.
- Need to figure out how to get the Astrophysics CCDT67 into my imaging train. Since switching over to the D5100 from the ST2000XM I can see the distorted stars in the corner due to the Nikon's large chip. I am thinking I could put the CCDT67 into the nosepiece of the ONAG since I use a t-ring for a hard connection with the Nikon.
| Cloudy Nights |
Comments