M81 (and scope upgrade)

[marcoverstraaten]

Although taken in February, M82 is still visible so I wanted to share this one with you. I should have taken subs in the red channel too to get the best out of the core. Maybe next year. (east is best for me)

The image is taken with a 10" ATM Ritchey Chretien with GSO optics. I replaced the original tube with a fancy truss design. I also changed the mechanical idea behind the scope. For example the focusser of the RC's in this class is attached to the mirrorcell. That makes collimating the scope a terrible job. (if you start adjusting the primary mirror)

I connected the focusser therefor to the outer backplate instead. Result is that the focusser doesn't change position when adjusting the primary.

Before I always ended up with good collimation through the cheshire, but the laser was off center, exactly on the same spot over and over again.

I know some of the users of the RC's have trouble to collimate their scopes, maybe this an eyeopener for those using these systems.

Upgrade with Moonlite focusser attached before anodizing.

[cloudbuster]

nice colours, detail etc....simply a beautiful image marco!

[Shibby]

Lovely stuff! The jets are looking great.

Your observatory looks fantastic, by the way - very jealous

[FraserClarke]

Very nice looking telescope Can we request a write-up for the DIY section please

[MikeD]

Great jets, and a very nice scope.

Some red data will really bring it alive and help to blend the Ha into the image.

Mike.

[peter shah]

super image and kit