Texas Star Party 2015

Hi,
Sara and myself have just returned from our trip to the Texas Star Party and west Texas. The weather was mixed. Some nights were cloudy, but some were wonderfully clear.

The equipment was awesome. Most people were ignoring any scope under 0.5 m. Which meant I could do some of my variables with my 70 mm Pronto, even to 12th magnitude.

The Zodiacal Light was easy and the view of M51 through a neighbouring 0.75 m scope easily showed many prominent spiral arms.

See my website Variable Star Nights for a few photos.

John

Nice one John!
Did you have to enter a raffle to get tickets or is that done away with now?
I note your point re the zodiacal light. I have experienced the same issue. Interesting what the eye can see that the camera can't show too well.
Michael

michaeloconnell wrote: I note your point re the zodiacal light. I have experienced the same issue.

That's very interesting. Had some good views of the ZL back in March but was disappointed with the photos. Thought it was my settings but maybe a more subtle cause.

Hi Michael,

We did enter a draw, but I wonder did it matter as we just attended the first four nights and where not staying onsite. By wednesday about 350 has registered.

My photo of the Zodiacal Light was just 15 seconds, as it was undriven.

John