stolenfeather

I have a skywatcher myself. My way of taking pictures is very simple though since Dobsonians aren't the best equipment for astro-photography: This is what I do: I place my simple point-and-shoot camera to the eyepiece move around a bit to make sure the image I want to photograph appears on the view screen and shoot. Sometimes I get lucky. I hope this helps but I'm sure you were looking for something more productive. The last few times by doing this and then using the program regiStax found online for free,.. I was able to capture this image: Isabelle

Oh,.. so sorry! Wasted nights are just SO :angry::angry::angry::angry: frustrating! Isabelle

Great shot! I say this because I myself have never had the equipment / knowledge to even attempt it. I hope you are happy with your new filter when it arrives! Isabelle

I'm sorry that you live with such light polluted skies. Astrophotography can become extremely expensive but also quite rewarding. I take some small pictures myself but there is only so much one can do with a point and shoot camera and manual dobsonian. I wish you clear skies and the greatest luck with your telescope. Isabelle

Hi Tony and a belated welcome to this forum. I'm sorry for not seeing this post sooner. Clear skies! Isabelle

I'm happy that you feel better and welcome you warmly to this blog site. I do find it less active than other parts though. Good luck on finding your new telescope! Isabelle

I had on filters and looked at it bare. Bad idea,.. What a blinding sight and I won't do that anymore. Saturn was very close to the moon for me and I saw little details even with my own Barlow. I'm waiting patiently for the moon to wane. Isabelle

Yes! I went out last night since they said it would be cloudy on Saturday. A bright moon indeed! Isabelle

March 18, 2011 11:00pm - 12:00am For weeks now, I heard that the moon trajectory around the earth was going to bring it approximately 7000 km closer to the earth. Astronomers are well aware that the closest approach from our natural satellite to the earth is called a perigee and that this happens once a year. However, on Saturday (yes that's today) at 3pm, the moon will be the closest it has been for eighteen years! It will be 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than lesser full moons (when the moon is at its farthest from Earth). This all being said, this particular perigee moon has been dubbed the "supermoon". Will we see much of a difference? Is there any danger? Does it wear a cape and fight villains? To the casual observer, little difference will be seen. I find that full moons are blinding and this one was no different. Was it more blinding than usual? Yes, I actually found that gazing through the telescope at this one actually made me look away from the eyepiece a few times out of discomfort from the brightness. There are many postings online how this specific moon poses a danger and has even been blamed for the earthquake / tsunami in Japan. We have to remember that this idea was suggested by an astrologer and not an astronomer! This moon is just closer. That's it. It will not and has not created / create destruction on earth. However, looking at it through a telescope for long periods of time may cause discomfort. That's it. A cape and and fight villains? Well, I would have to say yes. I had just returned from a week of educational meetings where I had driven 8 hours from home and attended many productive yet grueling sessions of strategic planning for our next school year with the Regional Board. Being home, at my eyepiece, after many nights of seeing blurry after my latest MS relapse experience was a blessing indeed! I took the pictures below and if you look real close, you can see the "cape": Shine baby, shine! May I also add the note that my vision has greatly improved and is now very close to being normal! Shall I bring you closer? This is the Tycho Lunar Crater (one that is easily recognizable to anyone that has looked at the moon ): Lastly, this is the Sea of Serenity and the Sea of tranquility (Mare Serenitatis / Mare Tranquilitatis) I am still learning the ropes to navigating on the moon and find this site very helpful: ---> Click HERE Did the moon fight off the villains that haunted my dreams and every waking hour of battling with teaching action plans for the following school year? You bet! There was another cause of celebration that night. The last time I had seen Saturn through the eyepiece of my telescope was last June. Since that time, it was either too low to the horizon, hidden by clouds or simply not around. That night? It shone loud and clear! I grabbed a picture before bringing in my telescope (I'll make it a little bigger next time, I am still learning the ropes of the RegiStax program). When I came inside, my husband Steven and wonderful dog Baffy were having a tumble fight in the living room. I had been away from both of them for the week when in meetings so I did the next best thing,.. I joined them! Now, how's that for a Friday night?

I have been using Picasa for quick touch ups. It looks pretty much the same. I will use both and see which one has a better finished product. Thanks! Isabelle

Although that in itself is very interesting, it does have more to do with astrology than astronomy. It is interesting to note that this idea was first sparked by an astrologer and not a scientist. Maybe you would like to visit the following link for more info ------> click here This all being said, we are all looking for answers for this catastrophic event. In the end, what matters is that when such things happen, we remember that we are all in it together. As for the moon, I'm looking forward to seeing it next Saturday! Thanks for bringing this to my attention! Isabelle

Now that would be great!

Nice one of Orion! Isabelle

Photoscape? sounds interesting thanks! I'll look into it. Isabelle

The technology we have now is really easy to depend on until,.. it is taken away! I'm so sorry that you have lost so much. It feels like a part of yourself gone isn't it? I wish you clear skies and the bast of luck on your race in retrieving all the galaxies you lost! Isabelle

Stacking pictures makes a huge difference doesn't it? Isabelle

Super moon? I'm sorry but I have problems in believing that a close approach of the moon could create tsunamis. How on earth could the moon effect the juxtaposition of the tectonic plates? Can someone propose and explanation? :confused: I'm sorry, just clouding the post with doubt. I mean no disrespect. Isabelle

An easy way? I guess it depends on your ability in the constructing field. From talking other enthusiasts, it is a worthy endeavor. I am under the impression that parts can be easily found but since I have never attempted (i wouldn't have a clue where to start) I would try redirecting this question to the "question answer forum". I wish you the best of luck in this project! Isabelle :)

Oh Pat! That's horrible! What a morning! :eek:

If you go outside with your scope,... it will come! Nah,.. I've tried it and it actually started snowing! :eek:

Congratulations! A new scope and already two planets snatched! Welcome to the forum Adam and I wish you clear skies. Isabelle

I shall. Already the eyesight is a little better. I'll be out there with the stars very soon!

Sunday, March 6th / 2011 My eyes were not strong enough (recent MS relapse) to make out any Messier objects when I went outside with my telescope but this didn't bother me very much. I was simply ecstatic that I could see how beautiful the moon was that night. There will be other times to chase galaxies, nebula, and star clusters. Sometimes, one has to relish with the simplest, with eyes anew. I love the first picture I captured with the earthshine!First picture taken "as is". Second picture altered by RegiStax

and the journey never ends,... :rolleyes: Isabelle

There are clear skies out there right now. I'm waiting a couple more days and then giving my eyes a try. They are a little bit better so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks! Isabelle