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Old 30-09-2013, 07:53 AM
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mental4astro (Alexander)
kids+wife+scopes=happyman

mental4astro is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: sydney, australia
Posts: 5,006
G'day Alan,

There are specifically made-for-astro video cameras that show live images not only of the Moon & planets (as webcams on the whole are limited to live), but also colour images of DSO's too. I have one of these, & I only use it at outreach gatherings with school, high school students, and all other novice's:

http://myastroshop.com.au/products/d...sp?id=MAS-071C

The camera can be used to show live images on a laptop or other monitor, & on a TV screen.

Next week I'll be going to a high school with a few other IIS fellows who will be taking their scopes, & I'll be bringing my video rig. Where this high school is, there is no chance of being able to see a galaxy through a scope. Yet I can with this video camera & a little 114mm scope! Last June I was able to show them M104 (the Sombrero) & Centaurus A. Next week I'll be showing them NGC 253 & the Grus Quartet. The Grus Quartet is right on the limit of what can be seen over the light polluted sky glow, but they can still be made out. The Quartet I'm particularly excited about as the average distance to these is 64million light years - the time ago when the dinosaurs were wiped out. This is real, tangible & direct contact with a time that happened long ago. Eta Carina shows its red hue, & amazing detail in the dark pillars. Omega Centauri fills the screen & its 'Eye' isn't washed out.

Your 10" & EQ6 is more than capable, if my 114 can. You will require a focal reducer to capture enough of a wide field though, as the chip in these is small & will only show a small portion of the whole field the scope is capable of showing. But you may be happy enough with the image it shows neat.

A video camera I think is the perfect tool for you. It will show live colour images, & as it can record video (via a computer) this video can be used to produce exceptional images using conventional software.

I hope this helps you.

Mental.
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