Randomly asked my kids to see if they are interested in stargazing, and to my surprise they both said yes.
Forecast told that it's going to be cloudy, and cloud started rolling when we observe.
Before it was totally covered, we watched M45, M42, Betelgeuse, Mars (to see the colors) and finally Jupiter with the galilean satellites.
Local folks shared that the number of clear nights were much reduced in 2024, and I got the same feeling as well.
With a new permant pillar in the back garden, I did imaging or observation whenever the sky was clear, with a few exceptions only. I'm still trying out and doing some exercise.
I've been trying out the Canon 200mm f2.8L with a new tiny guidescope and the result is nice. With the small CMOS chip, this lens performs exceptionally well wide open.
Next up is the Unbranded semi-APO 85mm with 500mm focal length scope, the chromatic abberation was quite well controlled. The Canon 200mm f2.8L was used as a guidescope.
Snow was an issue, I switched to use home electricity for more stable power. But then I was fearing about the wet from the snow or condensation in the cold weather. So far there were no problem but it does not mean it's safe.
Packing stuff inside was another issue. The very cold equipment from outside was attracting condensations when moved inside. I used a small fan to dry them but I need better solution.
Image processing software would be the next stuff, but then I really hate to spend time doing processing, not just about money.
Anyway, I have two consective clear nights in the beginning of 2025.
Happy new year to you all.
