First M42 Attempt

[jakerich154]

Hi all, well I'm down in the country and brought the telescope with me, as it is nice dark skies. So I decided to try and image M42, this is my first try at Imaging a nebula and I think it turned out alright. Any advice appreciated. Also what is the best way to get longer exposures (more than 30 secs) on my CPC, I don't have a wedge or a guide scope.

98x25 sec subs, DSS only used 82. Only used 5 Darks.

Equipment Used:
Celestron CPC 800
Nikon D3100
Meade f/6.3 reducer

[Rod771]

Nice image Jake :thumbsup:

You would need the wedge, the need for a guide scope would depend on your exposure length. If you have an accurate polar alignment and excellent tracking, you may be able to expose for a minute or so unguided

[astroearth]

Hi Jake, very good image for your first attempt.

I just upgraded my trusty old Nikon D80 to D3200

and my first attempt with the D3200 at M42 was modest although I did push the envelope at ISO 1600

only managed to capture 15x 10 second subs and 4 darks.

My HEQ5 pro mount was not polar aligned and unguided. Although the viewing conditions were less than favourable even with a noisy image I did manage to get somewhat of an image.

A wedge and accurate polar alignment will definitely help with longer exposures.
Once you get the bug you never stop trying.

[FlashDrive]

Jake ...that's a good first take ..!! :thumbsup: ...only get's better I'm sure ..!!

Flash ..!!