First Light???!!!!

duncan · #1 07-03-2010, 11:02 AM

Hi All,
I couldn't believe my eyes,Stars were out last night. So i finally got the 150x1200 refractor out to have a look. Been waiting for over 3 months,great excitement and great expectations!!!!

I finally got everything outside and setup. Look up at Mars,Yep it's clear. Muck around with the Toucam and here comes the thin wispy cloud. Shot 3 lots of AVI around 80mb each (700frames approx).
Then at about 12:30am turned attention to the moon and it's the same Crap

What have i done to deserve this?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway here is the end result. I class this as disgusting! NOT HAPPY JAN!

The seeing was bad Mars was dancing all over the video live view.
Anyway at least i got out! Interestingly i can't recall any halo or fringing so am very happy with the scope

Cheers,
Duncan

Quark (Trevor) · #2 07-03-2010, 11:50 AM

Hi Duncan,
Glad your scope performed up to expectations and its great that you got out and used your gear, regardless of the seeing.

Regards
Trevor

Troy · #3 07-03-2010, 03:46 PM

Good pictures Duncan

duncan · #4 07-03-2010, 06:06 PM

Thanks Troy for being nice. But we both know they are crap. But even knowing the miserable seeing conditions i just had to have a go,LOL!
Just as well too as the cloud has rolled back in thick and fast. Not to worry the dry season is just around the corner.
Plus it enabled me to see the bad points, so before i buy anymore camera gear a motorised moonlite focuser is net on the list.
Was impossible to focus accurately. Other than that everything worked well so i'm happy in that department.
Cheers,
Duncan

duncan · #5 07-03-2010, 06:08 PM

OH and a 5X Barlow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Need a bigger image scale.
Cheers

JD2439975 (Justin) · #6 07-03-2010, 08:35 PM

Being a bit far north myself I know what you mean, think I've forgotten how to use the scope.
But as you say you got the scope out, you don't want to waste the glorious dry season ironing bugs out.
I'm hoping to capture Mars in whatever conditions I can get before it fades into the season.

duncan · #7 07-03-2010, 09:39 PM

Hi Justin,
Yeah Mate i sympathise with you.I get on the net every day to check out the weather. We've had the driest Febuary on record but not one cloud free night,LOL, go figure. Let's just hope for clear skies soon!!!!

Cheers,
Duncan