Trifid and Lagoon from Longreach

[that_guy]

I had the opportunity to do my third year prac at Longreach and boy Astrofest has NOTHING on Longreach skies. The clear, dry, cold dessert conditions means no dew AT ALL, clear almost every day of the week. Unfortunately, the prac keeps me pretty busy almost 24/7 on weekdays. This image was a test to see if the gear I brought with me are still in working condition after a bumpy 1300km drive from the Gold Coast in a 20 year old Lexus. Happy to report they are indeed working. Although, I forgot to bring spare spacers and now I can't fix the massive amount of curvature on the edges and corners.

This is just 30x 2 min at unity gain with the ASI1600MC pro from my backyard. Still within the town limits and with neighbours lights flashing.

Skywatcher ED72
Skywatcher AZ GTe
ZWO ASI1600MC-Pro

I'm hoping to drive out of town about 30 minutes further west for an even DARKER sky next week (new moon) fingers crossed!

[h0ughy]

Well suffer you little barstool, you must be beside yourself with angst. What a cracker of a shot!! Oh to suffer like that with skies like that. I will be waiting to see your next efforts with anticipation

[that_guy]

You and me both Dave, there's still a few kinks to sort out but I'm VERY excited for next weekend.

[Merckx]

+1, looking forward to seeing more!

[Atmos]

Nicely framed and it looks quite clean for 1 hour of data. Dark skies make such a difference!

[Nikolas]

Nice image from a dark site, if Only Melbourne was like this