LightBuckets

[Stargazer Jack]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has used LightBuckets before and if it is any good. I was hoping to put some points of an account and do some DSO imaging of M42 or M31. If anyone knows something better then that would be very helpful

[knobby]

Never seen that site... Looks interesting

[Stargazer Jack]

That what I was thinking. I don't want to put some points on a find it is not that good so I wanted to find some people on here that have used it before

[Stargazer Jack]

I had a further look on the internet and found the Bradford Robotic Telescope. I have decided to register and submited a request for M31 so I will see what happens and tell you

[knobby]

Good luck... Im always warey of sites no one else has used

[nephilim]

I had a further look on the internet and found the Bradford Robotic Telescope. I have decided to register and submited a request for M31 so I will see what happens and tell you

I've used the Bradford robotic & to me it isnt very good, it may be due to my lack of experience but the only half decent image i got was of the moon, altho i'v had far better images of it through my modded X-Box cam, I'd be very interested to see how u get on with it. Btw i'v sometimes waited up to 3months to recieve an image back..

[Stargazer Jack]

That is why I have found this free one as I don't want to pay yet but I'll find out soon. Also, I want to try and image this comet, http://www.heavens-above.com/comet.aspx?cid=C%2F2012%20K5&lat=0&lng=0&loc=Unspecified&alt=0&tz=UCT, but I need to RA and DEC coordinates. Do I just copy the ones in the geocentric data or do I need it for a specific time?

[ollypenrice]

Lightbuckets was bought by my (almost) neighbour Marc Bretton whom I know quite well because he also runs an astronomy facility in this area. (I've been popping in to see progress on the 0.8 metre from time to time, as you would!) He's a good guy. I haven't used his rental site but I like Marc and his wife a great deal. They do a lot for outreach astronomy and for promoting our area as a dark sky reserve. His interest in astronomy is sincere.

Olly

[Stargazer Jack]

Thanks for that Olly. It looks good so I may try it in the future

[knobby]

Good to know!

sorted then

[rwilkey]

I have also used the Bradford Robotic Telescope as it is free, but have not been that pleased with the results, it's OK on large objects like M31, but not very good on NGC's and open clusters such as the ET, and not good at planetary nebs like the Owl. I find the cameras never home in close enough to get a meaningful shot.

[rwilkey]

Here's an example of M31, one of the 'better' images that I got (copyright Bradford University):

[Stargazer Jack]

I have just got 1 image back of M104. On yours the tracking doesn't look the best a bit like mine but I suppose it does say it is still testing. Also it is free so I'm not expecting that much.

[Stargazer Jack]

Here is an update of what I have done http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/172413-my-first-images-using-itelescope/