Comet Garradd ... and hooray!

[lukebl]

The hooray is because I think I've finally sorted out (after several weeks) my issues over funny-shaped stars when using a coma corrector with my new SXVF-H9. (some of you may have read my tedious thread on this elsewhere). By subtly adjusting the spacing of the coma corrector with home-made washers made from the plastic cut from an old milk carton (aren't we a resourceful lot) I eventually seem to have hit on the optimum spacing at last.

Anyway, I tried a series of images in a rich star field as a test, and chose Comet Garradd as it's passing through a very nice area. Anyway, here's the result. Quick and dirty. No colour, darks, bias or flats, but at least the stars are round at last. Well, almost. I feel that I am back in action at last.

SXVF-H9, 20 x 1 minute exposures, 250mm f/4.7 Newtonian, NEQ-6, guided with PHD guiding.

And stacked on the comet:

And here's an animation of the motion in 20 minutes:

[Helen]

Yah! Congratulations on finding the problem at last - that must be a huge relief! And that animation is great too

Helen

[lukebl]

Thanks Helen. A great relief indeed!

And here's another animation centred on the comet nucleus:

[Scosmico]

I didn't find it yet.

[foundaplanet]

Great animations.! Pleased you have finally sorted your trouble..

[ScubaMike]

Love the animations.

Think I prefer the first with a static star background.

[stolenfeather]

Wow, what a capture! I just wish I could be out there myself but between the clouds and massive humidity,.. I doubt I'd see anything!

Isabelle

[Pete Presland]

very good well done

[RogerTheDodger]

Great animations Luke

[lukebl]

Thanks a lot, guys!

Here's another quick re-process. This is just 5 x 1 minute exposures.

[daz]

Excellent results all round Luke!

I like the last one,m very good!

[JonH]

Very impressive Luke, well done.

[fwm891]

Lukebl,

Great animations. Quite satisfying when it all comes together.

Francis