I still too the plunge to continue my Messier marathon.
The first target is M45 before it's sinking too low, I expect to spend 20 minutes with it for a 1.3x mosaic. Starting from around 20:40.
It refuses to perform AI denoise at 20 minutes, saying that the mosaic is incomplete. I shall wait a little bit longer, maybe until 25 minutes. So sad further exposure ruined the stacked image, I didn't save any individual and so it's really less than useable. Just a record, 25 minutes wasted.
Broken M45 mosaic:
I hope to do one more two more objects before closing.
M100 is the next one, really low. Let me do 8 minutes or so.
And then M98 with M99 before they sink too low (also with NGC 4208 plus NGC 4237), let me do around 8 minutes or so.
Then M67 for 5 minutes.
Finally M65 + M66 and also NGC 3628 before it snows (forecast), so for 30 minutes. Got only 13 minutes before cloud rolling in.
Not a bad night, the forecast was bad but I got a handful of targets done.
With my new 3D printer, and the help of my daughter who is keen on making 3D models, this project is realised so quickly and it's a BIG success.
It was pessimistic about the thread (77mm 0.75 tpi) but it turns out to be nearly perfect.
It can reach infinity focus with some rooms. So now this little lens could do autofocusing with asiair!
Aside from using an eyepiece, I also use 533mc pro to test. It works without problem.
Other than the above adapter, I will be making two more:
a. 2" nosepiece in order to be used with my 85mm refractor for fine focusing
b. SCT female thread in order to be used with my SCT
I can then sell that CYCK focuser.
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I have removed the ebay ad of my Canon 300mm, will be keeping it and making good use of it.
I have ordered black PETG carbon fibre filaments to print a strong adapter. My daughter has modified the adapter to have more threads on more secure connection to the lens.
Since the JMII NGF-CM is lower profile, I want to see if it could be used with the Canon FD 300mm f2.8L.
It might be able to replace the CYCK focuser entirely, to use with my Ranger like now, to use with my 8" SCT, and to use with my 85mm refractor for deep sky imaging.
The first feasibility test was to attach the ZWO EAF to the JMI focuser, to replace the existing JMI mini DC motor.
Original JMI mini DC motor removed.
Next step is to attach the focusing motor, and I have proper screws on hand fortunately.
I should create a new entry for this M51.
I got 1 hr 40 minutes of exposure:
Processed by the box, nothing else.
Surprise to see how this little Seestar S30 could do.
Glad to have a partially clear night suddenly.
Partially cloudy (maybe 2-3/10) sky, bright moon
Last time should be session zero, since this was the session I got the idea about a messier marathon.
So this is session one, I am going to capture a few open clusters. Mainly a filling session, to catch some targets before it's getting too low or disappearing soon.
My first target is M36. It is pretty close to the moon. So I didn't spend much time with it, so 5 minutes first. Less than optimal, will come back later if I have time.
My second target is M37. Even closer to the moon. Again, 5 minutes. Less than optimal, will come back later.
My third target is M38 with NGC 1907, also close to the moon. Again, 5 minutes. Less than optimal and come back later.
Switching to M51 finally, one of the best targets of the tonight recommended by Seestar. I will give it the rest of the observation time tonight. At least 30 minutes, the one below was around 35 minutes:
Finally, accumulated for one hours of exposure.
Going from target to target quickly tonight, this is the feeling of running a marathon.
The sky is getting clearer, but it's time to sleep.
When the mini-observatory box is done, I could then leave the setup alone.
Those marked with a (-) is less than optimal.
M1 2025/12/16
M15 2025/12/8
M27 2025/12/4
M31 2025/11/21
M32 2025/11/21
M33 2025/12/20
M34 2026/3/25
M35 2025/12/8
M36 (-) 2026/3/25
M37 (-) 2026/3/25
M38 (-) 2026/3/25
M42 2025/12/13
M45 (-) 2026/3/27
M51 2026/3/25 (*)
M65 2026/3/27 (*)
M66 2026/3/27 (*)
M67 (-) 2026/3/27
M74 (-) 2026/1/3 (*)
M76 2026/1/4
M81 2026/3/20 2026/3/6 2026/12/16 (*)
M82 2026/3/20 2026/3/6 2026/12/16 (*)
M97 2026/3/21
M98 (-) 2026/3/27
M99 (-) 2026/3/27
M100 (-) 2026/3/27
M101 2026/3/28 (*)
M106 2026/3/28
M108 2026/3/21
(-) is suboptimal
(*) means worth trying again
It's a reclining chair.
Observation with my Canon IS is just fantastic! Now, I just want darker sky.
My neighbour keeps his light on all the night, and there is also a nearby street lamp.
Nevertheless, scanning with binoculars are simply irreplacable experience.
The sky is not very clear. I will be using the SeeStar only tonight.
The target will be M108.
I suddenly got a thought about running a Messier Marathon myself with the S30?
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Equipment thoughts:
I will not upgrade my mount, since I won't use the 8" SCT for deep sky imaging.
For planet imaging, my HEM15 will work with the 8" SCT.
For deep sky observation, even my SVBony SV225 will work. So, it's a keeper.
Maybe just sell that f/6.3 reducer and then done.
Setup the S30 for mosaic around M81, M82, NGC3077 and NGC2076.
1:37 hr of signal acquired.
One with latest AI denoise another is raw stacked.
Trying out Jupiter with my 8" SCT, collimation was off after quite some time.
Some videos were taken at prime focus, I didn't take any after inserting the barlows. Collimation was pretty off.
(result pending)
Focusing with the short pier is no fun at all, centering the Jupiter was not too difficult with the bigger sensor of the 533mc but I don't think it's much fun. I am one more step closer to sell it, for visual observation a dobsonian might be better. I don't quite like planet imaging any more. Long focal length deep sky would require a better mount which I won't probably want. Time to downsize?
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20260321 Followup
The collimation screws were too long, it should be 8mm but mine were 12mm, maybe that's why they couldn't hold the collimation well enough. Order has been placed to get 10mm collimation screws since I could get exactly 8mm. The new one has thinner thumb holder was shorter, the lens cap might be placed on after changing?
On checking my blog, I was considering adapting the NGF-CM to the ZWO EAF. It's well worth further exploration.
A small garden storage box will be used with the following dimension:
56cm * 41cm base and it is 50cm tall.
A rigid solar panel will be placed on top of it, with the following dimension:
101cm * 46cm.
It will be used to charge an old car battery.
The battery will make the whole thing more stable, and will not be blown away easily by wind. The SeeStar S30 will be placed on top of the battery, making it close to the cover for unblocked view.
The battery will be providing power to the SeeStar S30, as well as some minimum lighting and maybe a small ventilation fan to keep moisture out.
Will try to add mechanism to close automatically when rain is detected.
Automatic openning is optional.
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20260319 Update
The storage box arrived and it's of good size.
Strong and waterproof enough as it looks.
The solar panel is probably too big and heavy, I will need to find something else.
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20260320 Update
Maybe the new solar panel should be placed on top of the storage shed, the exisitng flexible panel should be moved in the front. This combination should provide far more than enough power except winter. I shall then use the power station more now, maybe find a way to mount a powerful kitchen ceiling lamp to save energy in the long run.
My LiFePO4 will be charged via the power station.
The older flexible panels will be installed on top of the mini-observatory, to charge a car battery continuously. This battery will be used for charging up powerbank for the S30, as well as to power fan and some backyard light?
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Solar panel installed:
Drill another hole on the side to let the wire goes inside:
Placed the battery and solar controller inside, need to find a way to "fix" it in a better location.
Door closed, looked quite nice!
