AstroMuni

@Louis DThe OP has said the rings screw into the OTA, so assuming its different

Having seen it with a 130mm scope, the view with our eyes is a lot dimmer and fuzzy depending on the skies. Our eyes cant take a 3s shot

Does the IPAD version have the same ability to be used for AP processing? Website says "Completely reimagined for iPad with the same power as the desktop version and with complete file format compatibility, you can work across the same document wherever you are, without any compromise."

Do you have a picture? That would help us respond better

This diagram that I put together may help clarify the views that have been said above. Most software like Sharpcap, PHD2, Ekos use this method to help do PA. As you can see from the diagram, it doesnt matter if the images are being captured via main or guidescope. Its just the radius of the arc that would differ. EDIT: Added text to explain ....The red circle is what the mis-aligned mount is rotating about and green circle (rotating around NCP) is where it should be rotating about. Our aim should be to get red circle to line up as closely as possible with green.

Beautiful shot. If this was mine, I would be happy and not try to improve it further 🙂

You are correct. You can use ASTAP or Astrometry

Great explanation as usual vlaiv 🙂

I have the AM130 and use it for both visual and AP (see my signature link for details on my AP journey). The mount is critical IMO hence placing the AM130 on a better mount has helped me a lot. I have also tried to compare a parabolic mirror vs a spherical one using a borrowed 130PS (not the PDS but I understand its same mirror but a shorter tube) and I noticed that at higher magnifications the 130PS seems to do a better job for visual observations. I would put the money in getting a better mount as that would stand you in good stead for the longer term.

I know, hence my smiley too....

I wasnt trying to drag him away from PI 🙂 just suggesting alternatives if budget is a constraint. PI is a great tool and has a lot more to offer than Siril.

Lovely detail in the image. Incase you are after a cheaper alternative, SIRIL is a free tool that allows you to do the same

I learn something new everyday 🙂

Great first attempt. What software did you use to stack and post process?

Hi Sien, Collimation with a Cheshire is usually done for a Reflector. The 72ED sounds like a refractor. Have I misunderstood something?

As others have already said video is best for planets. Looking at your kit of 130ps & the WOZ73 have you considered if you will get enough of a zoom to capture details on the planets?

The GoTo is NOT needed for guiding or tracking. But, you need a mount that has an RA motor so it can help with tracking. You would also need a DEC motor to correct for errors in DEC axis. So when you add all these into the mix, it might make it worth your while to purchase a GOTO I would suggest looking for a second hand one if budget is the constraint. Here is one of the benefits of a GoTo which I have found useful. I started off without a guidescope and found that my HEQ5 Pro mount could hold its position quite well upto around 5minutes as long as my exposures were less than 60secs. So I used to take a series of 30-60s subs and force the mount to realign to the object (using platesolve) at the end of 5mins ensuring that drift was minimal. The other obvious area to help keep to your budget is to go for a reflector (like a Newtonian) instead of a refractor. Good luck.

There is a windows version of Kstars. Its just the INDI server that wont run on Windows. I also ditched Windows on my old laptop due to inability to upgrade and run Linux Mint. Works a treat.

One of the versions of Kstars had a memory leak issue which is fixed in recent update is my understanding. Stellar solver has also been updated.

When you update your RPi, do you use the hotspot for that too?

Welcome to SGL. I would recommend that you join a local Astro group and get a feel for the kinds of equipment available.

Welcome to SGL Simone. The other active club nearby is Basingstoke https://www.basingstokeas.org.uk/

Welcome to SGL. I have the same scope and you should be able to see the ring around Saturn on a clear night with your eyes. I purchased a Svbony 23mm eyepiece and found that gave better views than the erecting eyepiece supplied with scope. Good luck. I have since started using this scope for imaging with a dedicated camera (see link in signature) so dont be put off if you hear comments that its a poor scope

As mentioned by the OP, the challenge here is finding the cloudless night

May be a bit difficult in Virgo area tonight as Moon is quite close to it