Macroscopic

I imaged another part of the Veil nebula last night. When I started guiding wasn’t as good as the first night, with total error around 0.6–0.7” and slightly bumpy. But as the night progressed, and with the meridian flip it decreased to 0.3-0.4” where the graph was very smooth… much like the first night of imaging I experienced. Just with the naked eye I could see more stars. Not sure if position of the object played a part or not. At some point I may do some tests with without the IR filter to see if there’s much benefit if it. I couldn’t sleep in the heat, plus I think I have new kit excitement. Having so many clear nights after buying new equipment goes against all the rules I’ve read about so I was determined to make the most of it!!! I’m not really sure what ‘gotchas’ I’m looking for in imaging or processing as I’m new to all of this, but this was last night’s 50x5min image.

I’m using the L’Extreme (H-alpha and OIII) for imaging. On the night I said I was having seeing issues affecting guiding slightly… it turns out the images were poor too with little to no nebulae to see. I’m imaging tonight and having more luck with guiding and imaging in the same region I didn’t have success before. I’m using the ZWO 1.25″ IR 850nm Pass Filter to guide with the 462MC. I had read people’s experiences over on a 100 page thread with the RST-135 and found this post interesting, so took a punt for IR guiding. I wanted to make sure I could guide at 0.5 sec rather than 1 sec.

I too have been trying out my new AM5 in the UK this weekend. The whole rig arrived Thursday - I’m new to astrophotography so I’m still getting used to even the basics like focusing and polar alignment, coupled with a mount few people have had hands on experience with. What an adventure! I’m using a 50mm scope and the 462MC to guide in near IR. No issues with guiding, except when seeing becomes an issue. Here’s my first ever light with the Veil nebula - 25x5 minute frames in Ha and OIII.

Just out of curiosity, when did you pre-order? I was late Jan so I’m not that hopeful. Glad yours arrive though.

I’ve tried to read (and understand ) about the potential pitfalls with a harmonic mount on CN and to me the largest issue will be guiding. I haven’t read all 90+ pages of the RST135 thread, however it would seem this post was the most interesting. How will everyone else who is/may be taking the plunge be guiding? As I’m new to AP I think I’m going to get a WO 50mm guide scope, ASI 462MC (as it’s very IR sensitive), IR pass filter and connect it up to the ASIAIR Plus.