PDA

View Full Version here: : M31 during full moon


erick
01-10-2007, 02:07 PM
Spent last nine days up near Mittagong. Packed my 20x80s and tripod, as usual. Nearly pushed my luggage over the Qantas weight limit, as usual!

Plenty of viewing of the Moon - that was enjoyable. Tried to photograph through the bins with my phone camera (:rolleyes:) - way overexposed - so you'll have to make do with my mug and the business end of my binoculars!

However, I was pleased to be able to pick out M31 every night with the 20x80s, around midnight, even with full moon and Sydney skyglow in that general direction. Sure it was down to the faintest patch, but definitely visible.

Apart from that - open clusters, 47Tuc, M22, a hint of Lagoon were all I could do. I did search for the Sculptor Galaxy (NGC253), but no luck - pushing it, I think - eg. I couldn't make out the SMC!

Dennis
01-10-2007, 02:49 PM
Hi Eric

That is a good pick up indeed - M31 with a full moon, especially given how low M31 is and how close to the moon the galaxy must have been.

I’ve been practicing my imaging skills by capturing some of the Grus Quartet and I thought I was doing it tough! At least the moon was over my shoulder; I had a 180mm ‘scope, GoTo and a CCD camera!

Spooky red photos!

Cheers

Dennis