A versatile scope

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

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

Here are the two extremes:

The Leaping Cheetah

So it provides lots of cool possibilities .

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 (Michael)]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Becasue I haven't managed to have her under steady skies as yet () 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 (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 ) and another camera...and have them both imaging at the same time and combine the data.... dream on....

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 (Keith)]

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

Regards
Keith

[Screwdriverone (Chris)]

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 (Rob)]

Awesome hardware, used to great effect Sir Mike

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

[Lester]

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

All the best.

[adman (Adam)]

Originally Posted by telemarker

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

Regards
Keith

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

[LucasB (Lucas)]

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 (Michael)]

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

Glad most of you seem to be animal lovers too

Mike