bosun21

Thanks. I'll definitely try the IR pass filter next time out. Thanks for your input Kostas.

No two nights in succession for me I'm afraid. It was clear all day but totally clouded over about 5pm as predicted by the MET app. I'm finding that the MET app is proving quite reliable (for my area at least).

I know that i'll have to increase the exposure length but what about any other settings?

Lovely capture again Kostas. It was freezing last night wasn't it? I'm thinking about getting another large dobsonian again. I'll never learn.

I was out again last night for another go at the Jovian giant. I was put off by the twinkling stars but pushed ahead anyway. The seeing was mediocre but at least there were no clouds about to spoil things. I captured a mix of 90 second and 2 minute SER's. 150 Maksutov and 585MC 197 fps. I was going to try my new IR pass filter but my fingers were too numb to swap them over. What settings do i need to change for the IR pass filter?

I used to own the Svbony 3-8mm zoom but sold it. I couldn't get on with the short eye relief and relatively small eye lens. I think I've just grown too accustomed to the long eye relief and huge eye lens of the Morpheus eyepieces. All this talk has me eyeing another one. I'll give it a concerted effort this time.

Just barlow the 6mm. Works great, and if you use a telextender there’s no change in ER.

The BST Starguider range of eyepieces and barlows are good quality and reasonably priced.

Braving the cold tonight with the 150 Maksutov waiting for Jupiter to reach a higher elevation and the GRS to be roughly centered. Seeing was poor all night with the stars twinkling away which just emphasises this. Went ahead anyway hoping for a steady patch but I wasn’t holding my breath. My fingers were numb and I was struggling to change to an IR pass filter. I’m surprised I lasted this long.

13kg is not realistic for an EQ3 style mount. However On step have a good reputation as far as I know and many folk are happy with them. Just look at their website and find the relevant system but check for Bresser compatibility. Good luck 👍.

Out again for Jupiter, both imaging and observing tonight. I’m patiently waiting for the GRS to come around and for Jupiter to reach even higher in the sky. The Jet stream is clear tonight but the stars were twinkling earlier which isn’t a good sign. It sure is cold here 🥶

Which mount?

I am not sure but I just put an HEQ5 in my cart at FLO and put Italy as the destination for the purchase. It was the Rowan belt model costing £1200+ to buy in the UK but only £900+ sending to Italy. Am I missing something?

Won’t the not paying VAT with FLO balance out the import duties?

No, both have go to. The HEQ5 used to come fully go to and manual but now only the go to is produced. The EQ5 is still available in both manual and go to.

The best planetary observing conditions I've found is when there's a light mist forming. The air has to be incredibly still for this to occur resulting in excellent seeing. Also reinforced by Damian Peach.

Yeah, in your wallet.

What a difference Nigella. This is the thread for all things planetary imaging and advice.

Postie and DPD dropped off a 0.8 reducer/flattener, a 2” V2 filter drawer, V2 1.25” slider and an IR pass (685nm) filter today. Each time I buy new gear the clouds surely follow. If I sold some gear would I get clear skies?

A UHC filter like the Astronomik is decent on emission nebulae and planetary nebulae. Galaxies require darker skies apart from the likes of M31, M81 and M82. However don’t expect to see any details in bortle 6 skies.

Should post it in the planetary imaging thread Nigella. Lovely image 👍.

A warm welcome to SGL Kev, dark skies and a light bucket is an excellent combination.

Fantastic images Kostas. I eagerly await a spell of good seeing never mind excellent. Once again it's the colour image that stands out to me.

Great image. Very spectral.

I scoured YouTube for tutorials on Astrosurface and basically only found the same basic ones as yourself. I've just been experimenting with the settings and resetting things when they go awry.