Hi all, well I'm down in the country and brought the telescope with me, as it is nice dark skies. So I decided to try and image M42, this is my first try at Imaging a nebula and I think it turned out alright. Any advice appreciated. Also what is the best way to get longer exposures (more than 30 secs) on my CPC, I don't have a wedge or a guide scope.
98x25 sec subs, DSS only used 82. Only used 5 Darks.
You would need the wedge, the need for a guide scope would depend on your exposure length. If you have an accurate polar alignment and excellent tracking, you may be able to expose for a minute or so unguided
and my first attempt with the D3200 at M42 was modest although I did push the envelope at ISO 1600
only managed to capture 15x 10 second subs and 4 darks.
My HEQ5 pro mount was not polar aligned and unguided. Although the viewing conditions were less than favourable even with a noisy image I did manage to get somewhat of an image.
A wedge and accurate polar alignment will definitely help with longer exposures.
Once you get the bug you never stop trying.
