adge87

Hello all, In an attempt to master the post-processing aspect of AP, I was playing in photoshop with a stacked image of Bode's Galaxy. As I progressed through, attempting and tweaking various aspects, some strange artefacts began to appear on the image, as seen here. For information, the subs are as follows: 41 lights @ 300 seconds, 120 gain, -15 celsius 15 Darks @ 300 seconds, 120 gain, -15 celsius 15 Flats @ exposure set by APT via the flats aid Relevant Equipment used: ASI291MC Explore Scientific ED80 FCD100 APO An indication of the "marks" or "blemishes" is seemingly visible in the raw sub files, one also attached for reference (https://i.imgur.com/A8ISMaN.png). Although this could be a separate issue and not linked at all! Any clues as to the culprit of this? Is it a smudge/blemish on the lens of the telescope, for example? Many thanks

Hello all, hope you're enjoying the long, warm, Easter weekend! My name is Andrew, and live in the Midlands, near Coventry to be precise. I got interested in astronomy at a very young age, and I seem to recall my 'kick' into the field came from watching Star Trek with my Dad, in particular, the title sequence of Next Generation, with the swooping shots past various planets, comets etc! Been looking up ever since. I also love astrophysics and quantum mechanics, although often the science is waaaay above my head. I can regurgitate it, but cant get my head wrapped around it!! for me, theres still little better or more breathtaking than taking out the scope, especially showing the kids and wife all the various sights, even if they dont quite share my enthusiasm. I have also started taking some tentative steps into astrophotography, although I'm still very much starting out and acquiring the appropriate gear for that particular rabbit hole. anyway, hope you're all well! best, Andrew

Hi folks, I'm looking to purchase my first scope to open the doorway to Astrophotography. I've seemingly narrowed it down to two choices: > Skywatcher Esprit 80 ED APO > Explore Scientific ED 80mm Deluxe FCD-100 Does anyone have any experience of either and/or both, and provide any thoughts as to which would be better for a starting AP telescope? The Espirt is ~£100 more expensive, but both are within the budget I've allocated myself (and had clearance from the wife for!). I've also set aside some cash for an appropriate flattener, so I've considered that already. I have heard, and am aware, of mount first, scope second. I've got an AVX, and I am aware of the reports of this mount for AP, but for now, I'm likely to be stuck with the AVX unless I'm able to trade it in or sell it to free up extra funds to replace it, likely with the HEQ5? However, for now, I'm 'stuck with it', so I'll have to grin and bear it. But I am aware, ideally, a new mount will be needed. However, for the time being, I'm curious as to which would be the better scope of the two - or even if there are any other options I'd perhaps not considered? Any feedback or assistance in helping me choose the right scope would be much appreciated. Naturally, I want to make sure I get this right, and hopefully get a good few years success out of the scope (if not the mount...!) before upgrading down the line. If it helps, it'll be for DSO imaging. I have a 8SE that I intend to use for any planetary imaging, etc. Not sure if this makes a difference? Thanks in advance, Regards, Adge87