Astrofest 2009 - what are you planning to image?

[troypiggo (Troy)]

So what are people thinking they're going to image while there? I've only been to dark sites twice, each for one night only. First time was mind-blowingly awesome, but I think I tried to do too much. Attempted too many targets etc. Second time I had all sorts of technical issues and came away with disappointing results due to very short usable subs. I'm hoping to have those sorted well and truly over the next couple of weeks.

This time I'd like to focus on less targets with more quality time. I'm there for 3 nights.

Do you usually only do DSO's at dark sites? My thinking here is that planets are pretty bright so shooting them from light polluted home is not so much of an issue and the benefit of the dark site isn't great. But nebulae, galaxies etc benefit greatly from the dark sites.

Whatchya reckon? And what actual targets are you planning?

[RobF (Rob)]

I can count the dark sky trips I've done on one hand Troy, so no expert. I've been very happy what I can get from Bris suburbs with a light pollution filter, but the extra softness of detail and unmessed colour that comes through is unbeatable from dark sky sites.

I try to do a few unusual objects I usually can't see from home with short subs, then concentrate on a brighter DSO object that's visible that really fascinates me with as many 10 min subs as I can do. The beauty of having long subs running on auto is you can then wander off and chat and learn from others (or just stick your nose in their business....)

I'm dreaming of M33 for Astrofest, and maybe some semi-serious tries at widefield......

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

I'm thinking of trying a M16 mosaic (in RGB ) - finish off what I started at Boonah.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I'm going to try not to go the full buffet, and just concentrate on 2 maybe 3 of the brighter objects each night.

[AstroJunk (Jonathan)]

I'm planning to grab the entire if the visible NGC catalogue in one night

That or I will just sit around chatting...

[h0ughy (David)]

whatever i can get that's focused and guided well

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

That or I will just sit around chatting...

Now that's a plan.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Well with 3 mounts and 5 cameras and 8 telescopes and unlimited patience ......

Seriously though....1 one mount will be set up for between 17 mm to 135 mm shots, might visit the area around alpha cygni again and see if I can do a better job than last year with the 85mm. Then there is the essential m31 with the ED80 and 0.8 FR (perfect fit) on the other mount. I'll try to learn a few SBIG tricks from Dennis with my ST7 and 8"SCT. And usually on the last night (no Dwarf this time I hope) I focus (pun intended) on an M33, though this year I might try a couple of nights of M33 for more subs.

In between that I usually help h0ughy polar align, work out what is burning out his laptop and powersupply (remember the UPS this year Dave ), work out why his goto isn't gotoing and generally keep him company while I soak up all the photons he's hoping to capture.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

Well with 3 mounts and 5 cameras and 8 telescopes and unlimited patience ......

Seriously though....1 one mount will be set up for between 17 mm to 135 mm shots, might visit the area around alpha cygni again and see if I can do a better job than last year with the 85mm. Then there is the essential m31 with the ED80 and 0.8 FR (perfect fit) on the other mount. I'll try to learn a few SBIG tricks from Dennis with my ST7 and 8"SCT. And usually on the last night (no Dwarf this time I hope) I focus (pun intended) on an M33, though this year I might try a couple of nights of M33 for more subs.

In between that I usually help h0ughy polar align, work out what is burning out his laptop and powersupply (remember the UPS this year Dave ), work out why his goto isn't gotoing and generally keep him company while I soak up all the photons he's hoping to capture.

oh how cruel. That does it.........you cant see my secret weapon..........its secret!!!!???

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

oh how cruel. That does it.........you cant see my secret weapon..........its secret!!!!???

what????? Are you bringing Tania to bump into everyone elses scopes???

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

what????? Are you bringing Tania to bump into everyone elses scopes???

now thats a thought - then again maybe not.....

oh i am bringing the double stack 60mm lunt and the dmk41 - daytime astronomy!!!!!! mind you though, after an all nighter and sleeping from dawn until lunch it doesnt leave much time to play with......

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

You sleep....HA!!