Nightscapes from Astrofest

[OzEclipse]

A selection of images taken during AstroFest 2022.

The big scope is "Nocturne," Chris (Onecosmos) SDM 28" f3.7 dob.

[Dennis]

A superb series Joe, these are really quite stunning images.:thumbsup:

I like the reflected stars in the primary mirror of Chris' 'scope - a nice artistic touch.:)

Cheers

Dennis

[JA]

Excellent stuff Joe :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Best
JA

[h0ughy]

lovely shots, and that dreaded fog.

[OzEclipse]

Hi Dennis,

Thanks, it was nice to meet you.

Chris was called away one night for about 15 minutes. He was kind enough to let me use the scope. I have an 18" dob and another EQ mount that are controlled using the same software and hardware combo as the 28" so I didn't need driving lessons. I positioned it the scope at that angle to optimise the star reflections off the mirror to my camera which I positioned with the Milky Way in the background. The central MW was overhead so I couldn't take advantage of that except in the upward looking image. The scope was tracking and I didn't want to park it so the stars on the mirror are trailed a little and I am well off axis so coma is an issue :lol: but I was very pleased with the outcome of that one.
Joe

[Dennis]

Hi Joe

There must have been another "Dennis" at Astrofest as I didn't attend.:)

And I thought I had a unique name.;)

Thanks for the back story to the shot.:thumbsup:

Cheers

Dennis