fwm891

Hope you don't mind I've had a play.

I split the image into upper lower parts, using a pen tool to cut across the top of the mountain range.

I've slightly darkened the lower half then where theres exposed rock I've used the dodge tool at 1% shadows to lighten these areas, then applied a surface blur (1px radius, threshold about 25). For the top half I've added a little saturation and contrast overal, then used the burn tool on highlights (2%) to bring back the detail in the trap area.

Just now, Icesheet said:

Yes, I agree they do. I will try that and what Vlaiv suggests to see if I can get a more natural transition from foreground to sky.

A slight blur to the foreground layer will be enough. Visually although both could be taken individually as distant blur to the foreground will imply foreground/background. Just take the edge off not a heavy blur.

Might be better if you slightly softened/blur the focus on the foreground. Both being in focus makes them fight each other for dominance.

Set the alarm for 4.00 this morning as Leonard didn't get past a neighbours house until then.

Image is a stack of 30x 60s subs. This has just been stacked aligning on the stars. I need to look again at how to stack the comet and stars as stills.

Finally I have a few photos of the dob.

I hope you like

Three-quarter front view

Side view

View of the mirror box and rocker box

Upper cage assembly showing the Moonlite CR-2, 60mm RACI finder from Altair Astro and a modified Red Dot Finder

Secondary mirror support assembly

Getting some superb views of objects I've previously only 'seen' after photographing them.

Astroart is a good all round package, capture, scope and camera control, post processing too.

Captured using my RASA 8 and ASi533 MC Pro. 8x 300s subs processed in PI and PS

I hope you like

Imaged on the night 7/8th November while waiting for comet 67P to come into an imaging position.

Image composed of 9x 300s subs. Subs were aligned and stacked in PI with some saturation also added in PI. Image then completed in PS CS3.

Scope: RASA 8 inch  Mount: iOptron CEM60 Camera: ASi533 MC Pro at -12°C.

M31, 32 and 110. Shot as 4 panels with 5 x 300s subs per panel. Each panel registered and stacked in PI with further processing (panel alignment and colour work done in Photoshop CS3.

M42. This was shot as 4 layers with each layer having a different exposure in an effort to retain a little detail in the otherwise burnt out areas. Five subs were shot for each layer: layer 1 30x 10s, layer 2 10x 30s, layer 3 10x 60s and layer 4 10x 120s.

Scope for both images: Celestron RASA 8

Camera for all subs: ASi533MC Pro cooled to -12°C

Filter: Baader UV/IR cut

Mount iOptron CEM60 Standard (non EC)

Hope you like

Trying to image a comet ( 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko) last night, gained t he co-ordinates from CdC and pasted them into SGP's Framing and Mosaic wizard - slewed to the right area but the comet was just inside the edge of the frame so a right click, select centre here and the comet disappeared all together! Back to the FM Wizard, set a bigger display area so I could off-set the framing to (I thought) put the comet in the centre or close to centre. Second slew comet had nudged a little further from the edge but nothing like expected...

Well this cycle went on for a while but still couldn't get the comet anywhere near the frame centre either by changing the framing in the FM Wizard or by asking it to 'Centre here'. There is also the problem with SGP that unless it does centre and re-sync to the framing it will always go back to the error position...

Opened ASI Studio and connected the camera (ASi533 MC Pro), opened CdC and 'found' the comet there. Connected the telescope to CdC and clicked on the comet - slew to cursor position - 67P almost perfect centre. Minor correction on the CdC screen and slew to cursor position and it was centred.

Set ASI-Studio to capture four sets of images at different exposures job done.

In defence of SGP if selecting an 'M or ngc etc' then I've not had a problem with the FM Wizard centerring said object. I just find that when ever I've tried to use Centre Here I have problems.

Moan over

Clear skies

If you mount the rings to one end of the dovetail bar (call that the front end), then the other end in the saddle block that should shift the whole scope forward far enough to get a balance. To miss the focus lock screw rotate tube 90 degrees.

No problem opening tiff files generated in PI in PS 2022

When you look for an eyepiece (on FLO’s site anyway) below the description it gives you a graphic where you can input your scope details, input your eyepiece etc and select a subject. It shows an idealised object through your scope with the selected eyepiece (after deleting all the ones you don’t want).  When I get a new ep I spend quite a while doing simulations to get a fl of ep that suits the scope and the objects I want to see.

12 dimensional string? Has a better simulator than the FLO Site. If you use the search tab under target the images are photographic and fill the ep simulated view. Rather than selecting M1 from the grid which shows a little box…

Simply changing your ep selection will change the display accordingly.

Combined imaging and visual session last night, this image is from two panels, both have 8x 300 sec subs. TS RC8 with x0.67 reducer, ASi533 MC Pro OSC camera, iOptron CEM60 mount.

Processed with PI for initial stacking and DBE then to PS2020 for further processing.

Hope you like

ps: still trying to get warm...

The TV Paracorr II seems to be the tool needed. I think at present I’m going to get more visual experience with both my two visual scopes (16 inch dob and 4 inch frac), possibly borrow a coma corrector to make sure I do actually need one.

Thanks all for your input on this, great help and needed guidance.

Francis

On 16/10/2021 at 14:10, Tiny Clanger said:

I'll be interested to read what you make of this 'scope Francis, it has been top of my list of relatively affordable upgrades to my 102s Bresser achro now I've established that this size of refractor suits my purposes as a grab & go really well.

Heather

Hi Heather, Well I’ve been out a few nights with the Starwave Ascent 102 now.  I started with it mounted on a CEM25P but soon decided to get an alt/az manual mount so I could go where I pleased and avoid meridian flips! To that end I bought a Scopetech Mount Zero and been really pleased I did.

The 102 has really struck me with it’s contrasty views. The past few nights around last quarter moon have been superb, a darker sky has added to the contrast and objects ( here I admit to at present being a Messier grabber). I use a Tele Vue Nebuster II filter for planetary objects like M57 & M27 and the Veil which doesn’t seem to effect the views as much as I thought it would in a 4 inch scope.

It’s deep lens hood has kept dew at bay so far, if I have to make a critical comment it would be that the separation of the eyepiece and finder scope when using a diagonal are too close and I’ve found myself holding my breath when looking into the finder to avoid steaming up the eyepiece. I’ll try moving the finder to the other side or changing their relative angles and see if that helps.

Image wise I haven’t seen any fringing on brighter objects, it handles easily,  not overly heavy or too long. It’s focuser is smooth and stays in place even with my 35mm Panoptic mounted.

Really pleased with my purchase.

What next - find a right angled rdf because trying to sight along the tube to get a general alignment on a target when overhead is worse than trying to use a polar alignment scope!

Francis

Many thanks. My feelings were/are the same. Time to start saving… (or Christmas isn’t that far away)

I'm a recent convert to visual astronomy but like imaging the fov suffers (f5 16 inch) at the edges and I think a coma corrector is needed. Just going onto FLO's site there are a number there that are purely photographic so easily discounted but of the others I'm unsure as to which is better than another FOR VISUAL USE.

My scope is a home built 16 inch f5 newtonian with Nichol mirrors. I have all Tele Vue ep's (Panoptic: 15, 19, 24 and 35mm) and a Delite 13mm.

My skies are a reasonable Bortle 4 even if the amount of sky is restricted due to buildings and trees.

Looking for recommendations to look at (or avoid) please.

Clear skies

Francis

@Stu Thanks for the detail around the Veil. G & L look like the area I found - great reference will take a print of that with me next time.

Thanks for the comments: @wookie1965 and @Alan White the 16 inch certainly delivered for me last night. Once we get to a fuller darkness it should make some things pop out a little easier.

I must get more practice in with averted vision. As soon as I realised I was seeing more detail I would swith back and it would go again. Trying to concentrate on one area whilst looking at another is a bit like rubbing your tum while patting your head at the same time...

Thanks

Francis

30-10-2021 16 inch f5 dob. Circa 19.00 – 23.45 Moon didn’t rise.

Started with my usual 3 objects: M57, M27 and the Veil east and west sections 24mm ep (x83) and tele vue nebuster II filter. 57 and 27 easy with 27’s wings showing well.

Next, m74 which was just about clearing trees in the east – no joy, moved to ngc7331.

7331 took some finding again 24mm ep no filters. Essentially just the core with some evidence of a disc extending further. Tried for Stephan’s quintet no joy there. Sky still not dark.

Quick look north through gap in buildings. M81 and 82 easily seen, shapes quite prominent – good mottling to M82, M81 good core and outer parts, too low down to see much more detail.

M108 not found, M97 found with nebuster filter but only just – no detail on its disc which was barely brighter than the background sky.

M31, 32 and 110 were easy to find, M31 showed two darker gaps between its spiral arms which spread well outside the ep’s fov. Quite struck now by M32 and M110 as they looked like I remember M31 looking through my old 10 inch dob. The 16 inch certainly delivers.

First look for M33 tonight – vague hint in the ep nothing in the finder. Next ngc891. I have to admit to spending ages (it seemed) back-n-forth between M34 and Almach. I eventually gap up the manual search and consulted Uranometrica 2000. I was looking for the wrong star pairing to locate 891. So finally found. Ngc891, just discernable from the background and no hint of a dark band running across.

I moved back now to earlier targets now higher in the sky, M57, 27 now with the nebuster filter stood out strongly from the background. M57’s ring was much better defined with some gradation. M27 showed the dumbbell shape with mottling, the outer wings mow much more defined. Now back to the veil, starting at 52 cygnii the broom was traced easily from its sharper tip, past 52 cygnii and out as it gradually faded. Moving across evidence of Pickering’s triangle was visible and further on the larger ngc6995. Just letting it drift across the fov showed lots mottling and twists of material. Stayed within the veil for some time finding odd patches of nebulosity not seemingly linked to the east/west or Pickering parts.

Cassiopeia, I wanted to find ngc281 but failed. Checked the atlas, I’m in the right area but no joy. Moved to M52 and then nudged across to find the Bubble neb. Using the nebuster filter there was certainly a bright patch where I expected it to be. Fitted the 13mm ep (x150) just gave me a bigger bright patch.

The double cluster with the 35mm ep (x57) just sparkled. I roamed here for a while.

I went back now to M33, it was higher in the sky and there it was in the finder! A definite brighter, even mottled patch in the 24mm ep. Ngc206 was visible as a brighter patch too. Again stayed here a while just moving around M33.

M74. If I could see M33 the.. Yes found. I'm sure there must be more to this one...

Back now to ngc7331, it was now high up and this time I found it quickly and it was more distinct too. Time to try ‘seeing what your not looking at’. I find this akin to having a raci finder and non raci ep! However I did manage to see where I wasn’t looking and I think I got better at it. I managed to see three small bright patches close to 7331 with a line of three stars helping to define them. Moved to Stephan’s Quintet and there were small smudges just brighter than the background sky. The larger smudge possibly showing fleeting glimpses of a core brightness?

Ngc891 now, definitely more distinct and with averted vision I could now make out a darker band running along it’s length.

The Seven Sisters where now over the trees. Superb sight. Too bright really in 16 inch which masked some of the dust cloud.

Noticed cloud building from the west so I wanted to see if I could find the Californian neb. The nebuster filter blurb said I should be able to see it…

Find Menkib (Menkab?) and just too the side there was the edge of the California neb. I spent some time tracing around the edge of the neb. Even at low power there’s a lot of neb there.

Finished off with a final look at M31 and co., the forward edges of the cloud had now reached here so it was time to pack away.

I have to put this down as my best night to date.

@69boss302 If you can see a target at 1 mile the practical difference in positions against the sky will not be worth worrying about.

@69boss302 Rather than trying to do everything in the dark try pointing your scope with camera at a distant object (building, church tower,power lint etc) during the day. Lock off the mount when you have your subject centred. Then adjust the alignment screws around the guide scope to centre the same subject in the guider. Tighten the guide scope. Check both are pointed at the same subject. Realign if necessary.

When you then go out at night both the optics will be looking at the same patch of sky. After you have polar aligned use your handset to do a star alignment using 1, 2 or 3 stars. Then you should be able to find anything above your horizon.

Later when you’ve got more confidence with things you can use plate solving to sync the mount to the sky.

Masterclass Peter.

@RoddSuperb rendition Rodd

It’s strange but if someone had said to me a year ago that I’d be buying a frac and building a dob, I think I would have asked them if they were feeling ill.

Now here I am having bought a 4 inch frac and built a 16 inch dob.

Imaging was all there was. Then I picked up a pair of bins to just ‘look round’ whilst my imaging sessions moved on. I haven’t captured a single photon with my imaging set up for months, but I find myself grabbing the frac at any chance of cloud breaking…

How things can change!

Trouble now is having been a “goto man” for so long I find I’m having to relearn the sky.