Could you increase the image scale any more next time? What barlow did you use?
It just occured to me that this is a smaller scale than my 2006 photos. For the first time I tried putting the Powermate and webcam directly on the visual back, not using the 2" star diagonal. Would this reduce the image scale?
Those are wonderful images of Jupiter - terrific detail all round.
I think that SCT’s are F10 systems only when used in a certain configuration as designed by the manufacturer.
Because they focus by moving the primary mirror, I think that when you make the light path “longer” by using accessories that require you to bring the image to focus further outside the OTA, as when using a star diagonal, the F Ratio increases because the amplification factor of the system has increased due to the secondary/primary separation increasing.
Thanks for the comments everyone. I'll go back to using the diagonal and maybe try a 3x barlow for bigger image scale.
Was all set to go at 5.00am this morning but there had been an unexpected accident involving the 11" Nexstar I'd left out all night to cool and the automatic lawn sprinklers. Still drying out now - hope the electronics aren't fried. I am a little anxious.
fantastic image
