Getting back into imaging after a long break

[DaveS]

Stopped raining here too, but you've got more green showing than I have, mine's only showing 3 hours. TBH I'm not sure, I've had a headache all day, hope I'm not brewing anything.

[Gina]

So do I - hope you feel better soon.

[JamesF]

The sky is definitely clearing here.  I'm just off out to take some stuff back to the observatory and open up the flap.  Not that it'll exactly be warm in there this evening.

James

[Gina]

Been out to the observatory and set up ready for imaging but with dark clouds about decided to have the roof closed for now.

 

Edited August 28, 2019 by Gina

[DaveS]

Hope your headache clears soon Gina.

Looking outside I'm seeing bright sky to the far west, heading your way but It's still thick dank cloud here. Keeping an eye out but will wait a while before opening up.

[Gina]

I haven't got a headache - I thought you had the headache.  If you haven't I don't know where it is!!  🤣

[DaveS]

Shows how dopey I am. Yes, had a thick head all day, and a bit sniffly. Will make a decision about 10 o/c or so.

Good luck with your imaging.

[Gina]

Sky seems clear now so I'm off out to open the roof.

[Gina]

Hope you feel up to astronomy Dave 😀

[JamesF]

All opened up here.  Not sure what to expect in terms of dew and seeing though.  Given all the rain this afternoon it could be quite horrible.  Still, it's another shakedown night for me, so I'm hardly going to panic about it.

James.

[Gina]

Have Polaris in view but but the contrast is poor.

[JamesF]

Still a bit early, I think.

James

[Gina]

Yes, I think you're right.

[JamesF]

Oh!  There's a surprise!  The forecast for 9pm to 10pm, which has been clear all day, has suddenly changed to cloudy

James

[Gina]

Clear here ATM.

20s full frame.

[Gina]

30s Ha ROI.

[Gina]

60s.  I think the focus could be better though.

[DaveS]

Still heavy low cloud here but looks bright to the west. If it's not clearing by 10 o/c I won't bother.

[JamesF]

I'm in the game :)  Just setting up on M27 now.

James

[Gina]

I think the clear sky should be heading your way Dave.

Focus was a bit out here - I adjusted it and have stars just over a pixel now.

[Gina]

Yes, this is sharper.  Ha 60s ROI.

[DaveS]

Looking good Gina

I'm seeing a few stars here and there, but the cloud is low and dark. Where I am high cloud catches the LP from Bridport and Weymouth / Dorchester and is bright but low cloud is dark.

[Gina]

I changed the focus from 531 to 720.  I have no idea how much that is in microns but I reduced star size from around 5-6px down to about 1px using manual remote control.  I guess my eye/brain combo is better than the autofocus AI...

[JamesF]

Is that using INDI's focusing algorithm?

James

[Gina]

Instead of the full resolution of 4650x3560 pixels, the ROI is 2700x1700 pixels.