tomato

Yes, when I watched that huge piece of super high technology coasting away into the blackness of space all on it’s own, I sort of understood why the scientists and engineers took so long getting it ready for that moment.

Thanks for the photos link. I’m presuming it’s got more hard scientific telemetry than you can shake a stick at, but maybe NASA doesn’t have the same YouTube generation PR mindset that seems to exist over at SpaceX.

First course correction burn all good apparently.👍

You certainly could if your filters are parfocal, so you don’t need to refocus each filter change, but I wonder how many folks have tried this approach? Your EFW would earn it’s keep!

It was a nice touch to have a camera installed so we could see the JWST uncouple and proceed on it’s way. I think there is a deployment milestone nearly every day now for a month.

To quote Basil Fawlty, “piece of cake, now for the tricky bit”😊

👍☺️😎

I guess this thread will run and run with folks posting their good or bad experiences, so here are mine: I use four ZWO cameras, an ASI 120 mini guide camera, an ASI 120 MC-s in an All Sky camera, and two ASI 178 mono cameras retrofitted with Peltier coolers. I’ve happy with them all, the AllSky camera is out there in a sealed box 24/7, the 178s get a tough time, they are dripping with condensation (externally) after each session, but are now well into their 3rd year of operation. The only criticism I have is the flimsy nature of USB connection on the 120 mini, but that was easily fixed with a Velcro strap. I have no experience with the ASIAir, but I bought a cheap ZWO OAG and was impressed with the quality, given the asking price.

Likewise, my mug also arrived safely, in time to be filled with Christmas cheer and hopefully toast a successful JWST launch! Happy Christmas to all🎄🎅🍻

As Tom Hanks (as Jim Lovell) said in Apollo 13, “Just breath normal, fellas”. The Ariane 5 has a commendable successful launch record. There, I’ve said it now…

We are travelling to family for our Christmas dinner so will potentially be on the road at lift off, I'll just pull over to watch it go.🚀

Indeed, definitely need to read the adverts very carefully before proceeding.

OK got it now, thanks.

Sorry, I must be missing something, but how can you have IMX571 sensors with different pixel counts?

Yes, I love calibration frames, you can actually use the camera without needing a clear sky.

Definitely keep it, if it all falls apart as it passes through the maximum dynamic load point, at least something will have come out of the 10 billion dollar investment.

I had a 102 mm APO on a Mesu 200 when I first started out, my only problem was finding a counter weight light enough to balance it. It was also a pain lugging the mount around to set up and takedown each time, but I knew at some point I would get a permanent observatory and go large on the scope set up.

Given where the boundary is I could blame it on the B word, but I better not.😊

Great project, looks superb and will generate loads of interest, I’m sure. Was the scale dictated by the hexagonal mirrors you were able to source?

I don’t think there is any way they’ll say Go! unless they are 100% happy. They can de-fuel the scope and rocket but if they lose the payload, that’s it. But like everyone else, I’d love to see it launch safely on Friday. Thanks for the heads up on tracking it’s trajectory, I’ll give it a go if the clouds go away.

Outstanding detail on a galaxy just 7’ across. You have the Meade and Mesu working well together.

And what about sag in the long wooden beam as it’s moisture content varies?😳

In the UK, with our cloud cover, taking calibration frames is never a hassle, it’s the lights that are difficult.

4Bly, that’s almost approaching JWST territory, and no scary launch to contend with.😉 Very nice M81 BTW, the MN190 is demonstrating it’s capabilities once again, folks shouldn’t give up on DSO imaging when the moon is up.

I’m fairly certain you can give us an idea, but in the meantime I’ve found this: https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-blogs/imaging-foundations-richard-wright/astrophotography-bits-bytes-dynamic-range/