Apr 25

So finally got back to the telescope on Friday night.  Had a few folks join us.  Lots of cobwebs I need to remove from the shed and start thinking about some upgrades, etc.  Anyway, it was just nice to get back behind the telescope.  Clear views of Saturn and a few M objects.

Aug 27

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7583805.stm

Aug 01

In China, you can see the Olympics and a total eclipse…

http://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/2008/index.html

Feb 20

Feeling bad, but mustered the strength to go outside and see this total lunar eclipse (shot taken on a Canon 300D through a 300mm lens).  Next one is in 2010; hopefully, I feel better by then.  Click on the picture for larger size.

Lunar eclipse

Another lunar eclipse!

Nov 25

Comet Holmes

Posted in Astronomy at 12:56 amNo Comments »

An amaetur shot of a comet (click on link please) that seems to have ‘exploded’ to some degree and got a lot brighter.  Used a demo version of ImagesPlus (will likely buy this as it is user friendly) so hence, the hatchmarks for the demo version…

Oct 20

Why, oh why?

Posted in Astronomy at 6:32 pmNo Comments »

Tonight is supposed to be clear and I’ve been waiting to try some more test shots as I try to improve the astrophotography.  Instead, I’m here sick and can barely get out of bed.  I need a new daytime hobby.

Sep 25

http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,297902,00.html

Sep 05

Well, they were new for us anyway.  Really clear night on Sunday night.  Got to see Uranus and Neptune.  I’m thinking I need to photograph each of the planets just to keep a log/record of the ones we’ve observed.  Both planets were low in the sky so not very clear but Uranus definitely has a bluish tint to it.  Pluto will be hard to observe given its magnitude but I should be able to record it in a photo.  That’s for another night…

Aug 14

On a really clear night, was able to expose to about 8 minutes.  Andromeda Galaxy was low but shots came out okay.  This was an unguided shot so guiding should help.  A skyglow filter would also help.

Andromeda2
Aug 02

Did some PEC training and Smart Mount training (want to do some more polar alignment) but this has definitely improved the alignment.  Took a test shot (here) — removed the UV filter, stopped down the aperture and used larger files (but not RAW just yet) and the results are reasonable.