Moonlight effects on astrophotography?

[swlloyd3]

Looks like I may get some good hours of clear sky tonight and wanted to try out imaging the Andromeda galaxy @ 200mm...

Only problem is that as the clouds have rolled out the moon has rolled in

Do you think the moon is far too close to this object to be able to get any sort of good image for tonight?

If so does anybody have any other recommendations?

I was thinking of M101 @ 200mm giving super wide angle as its opposite the full moon but I reckon where I live I would need at least 5 hours plus to get anything half decent!

Thanks.

Ste.

[ollypenrice]

Honestly, galaxies need pristine darkness. You don't say what camera or filters you have but in moonlight a narrow Ha filtrer is likely to be all that will work well, I think.

I would have a pop at a cluster if you are using a one shot colour.

Olly

[swlloyd3]

Damn, No its just a DSLR (1000D) with a light pollution filter thought as much! typical cloudless night ruined by the moon

Ste.

[Dann]

I had a go at M31 during the last full moon with a DSLR and no filters. Only with 30 second subs though. I think the picture came out ok considering but there was a noticeable glow from one side of the frame.

I had my first go at guiding last night when the moon was up and I was shocked at what just a 3min exposure looked like. It was almost completely white! Even though I was shooting M51, in a completely different area of the sky to the moon.

[ollypenrice]

It might not be good business sense from my point of view but LRGB I simply don't do if the moon is high enough BELOW the horizon to invalidate true astronomical darkness. Patience is all, dammit!!

Olly