Classic example of field rotation 17th April Sol

[asimov (John)]

Ok all you Alt Az guys, here's what happens in certain parts of the sky using a tracking Alt Az mount. It's not like I took long about it either. This is my standard 6 pane mosaic. Each pane is a 13 second capture. Stacking 200 frames from each. That's 78 secs total...add on lets say 1 min for stuffing around moving the mount/scope into position for the next pane, that's just over 2 min total time.

I'm using a newly bought Ioptron cube or whatever they call them. The point is, it's a driven Alt Az mount & you WILL get field rotation. You'll get this from tracking DOB's too of course. Take note: I said in *certain part of the sky* so anyone that wants to argue the point, that's my 'out' & pictures don't lie

My light at the end of the tunnel is, a piece of cake to turn the Ioptron into an EQ mount.

Ioptron image left, EQ6 mount right, using the 40mm PST @ prime (F10) of course. DMK21.

I'll be doing that one on the right as per normal & throwing it on the forum soon.

Meanwhile...Happy EQ'ing

[gbeal]

Time to wedge it John.
Gary

[asimov (John)]

Yep Gary, that's the plan. The (somewhat) interesting thing is my first attempt with the mount came out perfect, enforcing that *certain parts of the sky* example statement of mine.

Anyway, this is all good info for new guys/gals wondering what their first scope & mount should be...Considering MOST end up wanting to do photography.

My excuse is (yes I knew about field rotation years ago!) is that the Ioptron Alt Az is perfect for visual & short sub DSO's with a DSLR/short lens, & not to mention moon shots.