I wasn't even going to post this image. I was only testing out some new gear (Shoestring Astronomy FCUSB focus controller, and some cheap dew heaters from Amazon), so I picked a random and convenient star cluster to image. But then when I did a search for it on Astrobin, I didn't get any results. Unless I missed something, this is the first image posted here of this specific target. There are a few wide-field images that include it, but it's not even noted.
The dew heaters worked great, and they were really needed this night. EVERYTHING was covered in a thick layer of dew. My shoes were soaked after walking though some nearby grass. However, the optics were all dry.
The FCUSB controller worked, but Ekos had issues auto-focusing. I need to diagnose it. This is not an issue with the controller. I was able to focus manually and remotely just fine.
I took no calibration images. Only lights.
Name of Objects: NGC_7708 - Open Cluster in Cepheus
Image Type: RGB
Exposure: 53*30sec
Date: 10/23/2021
Bortle: Class 4
Gear:
Telescope: Orion 150mm/750mm Newtonian (Started life as a Starblast 6)
Mount: Orion Skyview Pro with Goto Upgrade
Tracking: ZWO ASI120MM-mini + Orion 50mm
Main Camera: ZWO ASI533 Pro @ -10c
Filter: SVBony UHC 1.25"
Software & procedure:
Kstars/Ekos + Indi on NUC for mount control, guidance, and image acquisition. Accessed via NoVNC in web browser.
Siril for stacking, color correction, initial histogram stretch.
Gimp for final histogram tweaking.
Comments