Horse experiments with an ST80

[Freddie]

Weather was forecast not to be great so I decided to have some fun and see what I could get if I dusted off my old ST80 guide scope and Atik314L+ rather than set up the usual kit. The mist stayed away a lot longer than I thought it would and it got pretty clear in the end so I had a chance for a few experiments. I also got some RGB on M42.

This is just 18x90sec (unguided) through a Baader red filter (closest thing I have to Ha in my manual filter wheel usually used for planetary) stacked in AA5 and then some basic processing in PS of levels, curves and some noise reduction.

I got an image on a night I wouldn't normally set up on and I'm amazed at what is possible with so few subs, basic processing and a completely standard £80 scope. I wasn't expecting the scope to perform so well.

 

[Mak the Night]

Wow! That's definitely a horse lol. I'm impressed.

[Freddie]

Yep, the little scope did well. Thanks.  It's gone back into retirement now though.

[Dave In Vermont]

I'm also impressed - but not surprised. These diminutive ST80 telescopes are capable of magic!

Impressed & Fascinated -

Dave

[Stu]

That is quite amazing for such a basic setup. Quite a lot to do with operator skill levels though I should think!

[Dave Lloyd]

Good old ST80. It's amazing what these little scopes can do. I reckon the Atik had a hand as well

[Gina]

I too have had some great results from the ST80 - great little scope   Particularly good for NB where the chromatic aberration is not an issue.

[Freddie]

Thanks for the comments/interest in the ST80 experiments. Agree with Gina that NB would be even better but I don't have any NB filters in my planetary filter wheel and I didn't want to take my other wheel off the NM190 just for this bit of fun. Was interesting to see what could be achieved though. The RGB I captured on M42 is proving more of a challenge as the B stars are WAY bigger than the R and G.

[Adam J]

14 hours ago, Gina said:

I too have had some great results from the ST80 - great little scope   Particularly good for NB where the chromatic aberration is not an issue.

Yep no purple rings when you only need to focus one wavelength.

 

[Space Cowboy]

That's come out very nicely Freddie! Maybe I should try a red filter with mine.

[Freddie]

Thanks Stuart. Yep, pleased how this worked out just as a bit of a play. Even got Alnitak showing as a double.

[theo]

Nicely done Freddie, a lovely image!!

Pete

[Freddie]

Thanks Pete. Happy with the results of a bit of fun with an old guide scope!!