Lmc

[Stephane]

Hi all,

Up until now, I have never been able to shoot such a Southern target because of obstructions in my garden. But thanks to a bit of strategic rearranging, I am thrilled to finally be able to give one these amazing targets a crack.

My Newtonian is getting a few upgrades done to it at Sidereal Trading, so for the mean time I bought myself a GT71 frac to enjoy imaging with a much wider field of view. This is a first light and I clearly don't have the back focus right, so the corners aren't very good. Did I mention I know practically nothing about refractors? Anyway, this is just a bit of fun until my main rig is ready. Over the next few days (weather permitting), I will add integration time and post the results. As I get more time, I can hopefully stretch a little more and add some more contrast.

Hope you all enjoy, and, as usual, feel free to comment and offer constructive criticism.

Clear skies,
Stéphane

Integration:
First image: 4h
Second image: 1h40'

[floyd_2]

Great image mate. Welcome aboard to wide field imaging. There are plenty of wide field objects that you can target - even galaxy clusters, big news, multi object fields and open clusters. It’s a great idea having both a wide field scope and a narrower field scope. It really opens things up for you.

[Crater101]

Very nicely done, loving the detail in the image, it's very fine and distinct. Given the time that you had, it's an excellent result.

[Dave882]

Excellent work that’s a great shot! I agree having a widefield setup adds a whole new range of targets. Look forward to seeing how the project develops!

[Stephane]

Thanks guys. I managed to squeeze some more time and thus stretched a little further. I'm in two minds whether to continue on further, perhaps boost it with hydrogen with the moon getting bigger, or whether to just move on to a new target.

[ahmed_haider]

That's a very nice LMC Stephane! Thanks for sharing. And all the best with the upgrades on your newtonian! Astrobiscuit on YouTube just put out a video basically saying a GSO 8" F4 is the best telescope for amateur astrophotography with excellent optics. Please keep us updated about your upgrades :-)
Cheers

[Stephane]

Thanks Ahmed! I saw that video too and was quite happy with the ending. I am having fun with this setup until I get the Newtonian back (hopefully) in January. I’ve gone for a CF tube, OAG, and a solid focuser. This will considerably reduce weight and hopefully allow me to take longer sub exposures. Time will tell..!

[gregbradley]

A lovely LMC there.

Greg