ian_bird

On the other hand - if you are using a 3nm Ha filter - longer exposures are your friend indeed!

The Kardashev scale is a method of measuring a civilization's level of technological advancement, based on the amount of energy a civilization is able to use for communication. The scale has three designated categories: A Type I civilization—also called a planetary civilization—can use and store all of the energy which reaches its planet from its parent star. A Type II civilization—also called a stellar civilization—can harness the total energy of its planet's parent star (the most popular hypothetical concept being the Dyson sphere—a device which would encompass the entire star and transfer its energy to the planet(s)). A Type III civilization—also called a galactic civilization—can control energy on the scale of its entire host galaxy. . In a type II Khardashev civilisation a long time ago: "Er, Dezhk!k!k, I'm sorry but I think I forgot to carry the one." "I wouldn't worry about it. What difference could it possi..." *WHUMMF*

These may help. If the stars look like this you are too close: If they look like this you are too far: Good luck. Ian Edit. Sorry - just noticed you said Coma Corrector. The examples above are for a Flattener. So basically - just ignore me! 😉

"I am it. If a count were taken, the score would be three billion plus two over on the other side of the moon, and one plus God only knows what on this side" RIP Michael Collins.

Plus one for the WO one Vlaiv suggested. I also have it. Top notch.

I would say yes. You need everything to be as rigid as possible. And the Vixen rails wobble - badly. I stuck a Losmandy saddle on my old CG-5 mount and was churning out 30 minute subs quite happily. Though that was using a 3nm Ha filter - which is a bit forgiving. Cheers. Ian

Double post. Sorry.

Guilty as charged. At Olly's place I took one look up at the dark sky (my first look after Monique's sumptuous meal) and basically panicked. I don't think I have ever seen so many stars! "Olly!" I hollered. "Help!!!". Fortunately Olly is a jolly nice chap and is more than happy to help neophytes find their feet. And Polaris. As I recall - we held a laser pointer against the mount rail* - and Olly Eyeballed it. Given that we ended up with an incredible Andromeda Galaxy for our efforts (OK - Olly's efforts) - I would call that a win. * not recommended in the UK or anywhere there might be low flying aircraft.

I remember us sitting down and planning that 2 panel mosaic in your cave! We hung the mosaic off of the blue star at the top. You wanted M31 to be horizontal. I wanted a slight slope. Luckily - I won! (In my opinion!) Happy days! Best Regards Ian

Try this... http://www.grinderphoto.se/images/m-31-2x2-mosaic.html From the talented Jonas! Cheers Ian

Hopefully it's just a link/glich issue. But remember - the cloud just means "someone else's computers". Using the cloud as your prime backup is just "asking for it". Hopefully in this case you didn't just "get it". Fingers crossed. NB - IT Professional working on Databases for large Multi-National Companies - so I know a little bit about what I am talking about.

The Canon 10x42 L Image Stabilized Binoculars are a) extremely expensive, and b) utterly stunning. When you turn the IS on - it's like you just clamped the bins to a tripod! They get ten times more use than my old (non IS) Nikons ever did. Just because of the IS. I would really recommend finding a dealer near you that sells them - and going there and giving them a try. When you do - you will understand why there are a number of Astronomers with one kidney and a pair of Canon 10x42 L Image Stabilized Binoculars! 😉 They really are that good.

You had a good point. A very good point. I appreciated you drawing it to my attention. Cheers. Ian

James Good point. I have redacted my post. Thank you. Regards Ian

Redacted.