M24 - Back in Action

[dvj]

After 2 major equipment failures, my remote in Coonabarabran is finally back in Action. Quick, 15 x 1800s snap of M24 with the FSQ and 16803. Camera set to -35. All seems running well. Shot yesterday and this morning.

http://www.astrobin.com/full/98247/0/

j

[Paul Haese]

Such a cool area this one. I imaged it about three years ago now and it is so cool to see it in purely Ha. How bright is that area to the right of the dark nebula?

[atalas]

Good work John....the dark neb's pop nicely in this region.

[Octane]

So beautiful, John.

Look forward to having a crack at this with the FSQ/STL soon, once my RoboFocus unit returns from the US (it has never worked for me in 4 years and is on its second trip back north).

H

[dvj]

Hi Paul, This area is very bright. Easily visible in any telescope or binoculars. Dark nebulae structure is easily visible in a large telescope.

-j

[dvj]

Thank you Louie!

[dvj]

Thank you H! Reads like you just need a replacement unit for your RoboFocus. I like the feathertouch units.

-j

[Octane]

John,

Do you find yourself focusing every 30 minutes after your exposures?

H

[dvj]

With the FSQ, every degree of temp change requires at least a focus check between subs. Just one of the historical issues with the FSQ; its temp stability is poor. But it is predictable.

[Octane]

Yep, I find myself refocusing every 30 minutes.

The small pain is worth the results!

H

[multiweb]

Very nice shot. Lovely area of the sky. :thumbsup:

[RickS]

Looks great, John! Hope that helps with the withdrawal symptoms :)

Cheers,
Rick.