NYE Observation

[steve000]

Hi All,

Just thought id share my magical night.

31st of Dec 2010.

This was the first night in about 3 months that I have been able to get my new 12" scope out and damn what a night. crystal clear skys.

Linked are 2 images I took. both are 30 second exposure (I forgot my remote) The mount was not polar aligned although it was close.

1st pic is of the Orion nebula my favorite deeps space
http://steve000.dyndns.org/images/astropics/IMG_5720.JPG (http://steve000.dyndns.org/images/astropics/IMG_5720.JPG)

The second is of Betelgeuse, a bit of star trail but my god does that star shine.
http://steve000.dyndns.org/images/astropics/IMG_5734.JPG (http://steve000.dyndns.org/images/astropics/IMG_5734.JPG)

Both would have been better with good alignment but I'm happy for 1st time snaps of decent quality, things can only get better.

Feel free to analyze the pics and offer suggestions on how to improve.

I cant really drift align as i don't have a cross hair eyepiece. I did take some images and follow the star trails however my brain cant get around what way to adjust the scope to minimize them. its also verrrrry hard moving 30KG with a tiny 1" screw sucks! and like im ever going to make sense of the polar scope

[Cosmic]

Gday Steve,

Its a lot of enjoyment hey, I did my first bit of astrophotography the other night to 30th. As one beginner to anther I feel your excitement. Other than what you have said about the star trails so on, they have still turn out great.

Hopefully more clear skys come your way soon.

Dan