A versatile scope

[strongmanmike]

Along with the speed and decent aperture, another reason I went with the AG12 was its ability to provide quite wide field images (1.8deg X 1.8deg) but still in high enough resolution that it allows for very satisfactory narrow field images all at the same time :thumbsup:

Here are the two extremes:

The Leaping Cheetah (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/140867388/original)

So it provides lots of cool possibilities :thumbsup:.

It is also worth noting that the seeing was rather lack luster on both nights of data collection too, I hope to get to a site with good seeing at some stage.

Mike

[Ross G]

Hi Mike,

You do have an amazing telescope and I marvel at the images you produce without the luxury of an observatory or dark skies (...I do know Newcastle weather..).

Is there a lot of difference between it and your previous scope, the 6 inch refractor? I think they would have roughly the same focal length so how does 12 inches of mirror compare to 6 inches of glass?


Thanks.

Ross.

[strongmanmike]

Speed is the key difference F3.8 v F8 and it has a larger FOV 1180mmFL v 1300mmFL and of course 12" of aperture is always going to help here too.

This in just 2hrs worth of 5min subs Helix Nebula (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/136114176/original)

Becasue I haven't managed to have her under steady skies as yet (:tasdevil:) it is hard to compare the resolution difference, with the AG under average to crap conditions the two scopes appear to have similar resolving ability see this animation (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/134190322/original) (the seeing for the AG12 data was worse than for the AP)

Ulitimately it would be good to get another mount (or a bigger one :D) and another camera...and have them both imaging at the same time and combine the data.... :question: dream on.... :rolleyes:

Mike

[atalas]

Mike,I'd kill for that detail! the combination between aperture and speed is certainly apparent.....your on a winner there.

So,drop what your doing next new moon and head for a dark site!

[gregbradley]

Yes your scope is clearly a winner. You seem to have gotten on top of any flexure or tilt or spacing issues and the stars are nice and round
which is a challenge with virtually any scope and that large detector.

The detail is fantastic and the widefield suits many targets.

A clear dark sky and some decent seeing would really show its capabilities even more.

Greg.

[telemarker]

Great detail from that scope and nicely processed to boot. Cheetah? Nah, all I see is a spanner. :P

Regards
Keith

[Screwdriverone]

VERY Nice Mike!

Also looks like a doberman at the base of the cheetah is looking over its shoulder towards it...?

I tried to lock on to the Rosette last night (albeit with moonwash and light pollution) but couldnt see anything with 30 -240 sec subs between ISO 1600 and ISO 400....is it low surface brightness? I am pretty sure that central cluster is what I got, but NOTHING on the sensor showed any nebula.....?

Always in awe at what you are able to showcase for us....magnificent!

Cheers

Chris

[RobF]

Awesome hardware, used to great effect Sir Mike :thumbsup:

Not sure it's a Cheetah though - looks more look a Taser with 2 electrodes sticking out :question: :P

[Lester]

Thanks for the view Mike, always good to see your work.

All the best.

[adman]

The Leaping Spanner....if you look closely you can make out SIDCHROME !! :P

[LucasB]

Nice stuff Mike. I always see the animals when looking at the rosette now!
Lucas

[cventer]

Def a cheetah. Proof attached.

[TrevorW]

Truly a case of when size does matter

Lovely Cheetah

[strongmanmike]

Cheers guys, she's a good scope and has turned out pretty much as expected...on to dark (and hopefully steadier) skies in 2012 :thumbsup:

Glad most of you seem to be animal lovers too :P

Mike