M45 Test Shots

[BlueAstra]

Continuing my test shots from last Friday, this is 3x(R:300s,G:210s,B:270s). That completes a nice session to evaluate exposure lengths, guiding, collimation and focus. The Baader electric focusser eases the focus situation, but more work is needed on the Crayford to get the tension right for autofocus and filter focus offsets. Collimation was out prior to the session, mainly the secondary. I don't think I've got the centre screw tight enough, the adjusters feel fairly loose and easy to turn.

I wanted to use about 300s as a compromise, since my mount needs some 'tuning'. I seem to loose about one in five subs from unexpected jumps in guiding, although it could be the tube slipping in the rings. Also 300s is equivalent to about 600s with my old scope.

[Gina]

Nice nebulosity