M104 The Sombrero Galaxy - enhanced stellar stream

[alpal]

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

I think a bigger scope will need to come courtesy of a rich benefactor...any takers..? ...anyone?

Mike

Hi Mike,
actually a Newt is still the biggest bang for the buck.
A 20" Newt would cost nowhere near what some of the
large newer designs cost and also the linear obstruction
would not be 55% but whatever you chose -
which could be 28% and still illuminate a medium size
camera sensor with reasonable spot sizes.
On axis the spot size would be just as good but
the contrast ratio would be even better!
However as the Newts. get larger the mechanical
problems increase exponentially.
Preventing the primary mirror from having
lateral movement is just one challenge of many.

cheers
Allan

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

So the detail inside is -- extraordinary.. not to mention the universe you captured around it. And now let's discuss the contrast, colour, and background..... very natural as if i was actually there... :0

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by alpal

Hi Mike,
actually a Newt is still the biggest bang for the buck.
A 20" Newt would cost nowhere near what some of the
large newer designs cost and also the linear obstruction
would not be 55% but whatever you chose -
which could be 28% and still illuminate a medium size
camera sensor with reasonable spot sizes.
On axis the spot size would be just as good but
the contrast ratio would be even better!
However as the Newts. get larger the mechanical
problems increase exponentially.
Preventing the primary mirror from having
lateral movement is just one challenge of many.

cheers
Allan

Yeah a 20" F3.8 Newt would be just about perfect 👍...and should juuust squeeze into the 3M dome

Mike

Originally Posted by CoolhandJo

So the detail inside is -- extraordinary.. not to mention the universe you captured around it. And now let's discuss the contrast, colour, and background..... very natural as if i was actually there... :0

Thanks so much Paul, a great description and pretty much how I felt too after putting it all together

Mike

[DaveNZ (Dave)]

Excellent work Mike. The extra altitude is really paying off. Well worth the effort.

How long are your individual subs up there at f3.8 ?


Cheers Dave

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by DaveNZ

Excellent work Mike. The extra altitude is really paying off. Well worth the effort.

How long are your individual subs up there at f3.8 ?


Cheers Dave

Thanks a lot Dave I used 5min for all LRGB sub frames on this target.

Mike

[Benjamin (Ben)]

Amazing to read through the thread and realize what a fantastic accomplishment it all is - the observatory, the image, the sky conditions etc. Just so wonderful to have you pursuing these things to this level.

[Shiraz (Ray)]

Masterful image Mike. Up there with the very best and great to see the hobby advancing into areas that are usually the preserve of the big professional telescopes.

Well done. Cheers Ray

[kosborn (Kevin)]

YAAI (yet another amazing image ). I have to admit to be a little bit envious of your astro history, from film, through CCD to CMOS. There's been a revolution in OTAs and mounts in that time too, not to mention the science that backs it all. I really wish I'd started doing this decades ago!

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by Benjamin

Amazing to read through the thread and realize what a fantastic accomplishment it all is - the observatory, the image, the sky conditions etc. Just so wonderful to have you pursuing these things to this level.

Originally Posted by Shiraz

Masterful image Mike. Up there with the very best and great to see the hobby advancing into areas that are usually the preserve of the big professional telescopes.

Well done. Cheers Ray

Originally Posted by kosborn

YAAI (yet another amazing image ). I have to admit to be a little bit envious of your astro history, from film, through CCD to CMOS. There's been a revolution in OTAs and mounts in that time too, not to mention the science that backs it all. I really wish I'd started doing this decades ago!

Thanks a lot Ben , Ray and Kevin, your words are very much appreciated. I'm really enjoying the incredible predicament I find myself in and feel very lucky and privileged

Mike