First light on Saturn

My new C8N-GT got first light tonight. I'd spent the week collimating, upgrading firmware, linking it up to Cartes du Ciel etc. and was very glad when tonight offered a chance to get it outside.

I've a lot to learn with this scope, not being used to equatorials etc., but I'll learn. Anyway Saturn was fairly low in the muck, but I thought I'd give it a try on the webcam, something I hadn't done in over a year. I must get this webcam out more often, I'd forgotten how much fun it can be.
This is very far from a good shot but here it is anyway.

That's a really good pic of Saturn. You guys who do webcamming get great results. I'm considering buying a Neximage cam...would you says its money well spent?

I also have a Kodak EZ200 webcam. Would that be worth using? I think the main lens will come off with not too much trouble.

It's a great shot John! I haven't webcammed Saturn since last May or thereabouts but I've had it on visual - and your image confirms my observations - those rings really have closed up a lot!

Not sure if i am spot on but i think the rings will be completely edge on around Sept. So we have a while yet.

Mind you in my little scope they will be closed a lot sooner then that.

I'm just glad i got to see it a couple of times while still tilted.

It's a great shot John! I haven't webcammed Saturn since last May or thereabouts but I've had it on visual - and your image confirms my observations - those rings really have closed up a lot!

Seeing wasn't great as there was so much moisture in the air. This was apparent from the amount of smoke visible from chimneys in the area - you know when the smoke just seems to hang in the air, that its kind of damp. The Cassini division is just about visible in the above shot, its gonna get harder to see as the rings close up.

Here's another shot from last night re-sized etc.

I look forward to seeing the new scope, lets hope it brings us luck next weekend. Nice Saturn


Deirdre Kelleghan
www.deirdrekelleghan.com/
Oscail do Shuile D'iontas na Cruinne
Open Your Eyes to the Wonder of the Universe