First M45

 Processed by Siril, 20 frames stacked, 300s exposure:

Maybe stretched a bit too much.  Anyway, I do not enjoy image processing afterall.

Making my iOptron more table

I have a permanent pier setup, but it was not made for the iOptron. 

A small adapter is required but it becomes the weakest link.

The problem is the stub but since it was made by aluminium so I guess it could be removed.  I took the plunge to do it this morning, it's not difficult.

I was tempted to buy another better adapter so that I don't have to do this irreversible change, but then there is no guarantee that it would fit.  And I hate to spend money, especially when it might not even work.

This is now a perfect fit!

20250117 Jupiter again

Spent more than half an hour to fine tune the collimation, found something strange on the out of focus pattern.  

That irregularity on the 6 O' Clock location.

I captured 60s worth of frames this time, instead of 1000 frames. 

30% frames stacked:

60% frames stacked:

20250115 Planet exercise

It's very windy, so no good image is possible, so it's just for fun.

The bigger CMOS is simple to use, with the flip mirror everything is quick and simple.

Jupiter first, it's higher in the sky.

And then mars, it's lower and as always, the effect of atmospheric dispersion is much apparent.

Just for fun.

Stacked and processed two more shots:

Family stargazing

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.

2024 and 2025 Exercise Time

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.