M42 8 Jan

All
A fabulous but cold night in the garden last night. Gorgouse sky, pity the moon was so bright.
I grabbed this unguided shot of M42. It wasn't my target, I was going for M81/M82 (but that shot didn't work out well due to the moon). I've not tried to Image M42 but will be back for more. Not upto some standards here but I'm learning bit by bit.

www.flickr.com/photos/steve_beaney/3182599027/sizes/l/

400D, 30s, 1so400
80mm WO zenithstar, .8x field flattener, polution filter
EQ6 (polar drift aligned, 200s) unguided
Hollystown Co Dublin

Clear skies
Steve

Steve, how long did it take you to drift align? I plan to learn it..

Keith..

Kieth

I'm very much still learning to do this. I got precious little practice last June to Dec. For that night it took me about 40 mins. I think I can get that down to 30 with more practice.
One thing I've learned recently is to get a good initial alignment, this has made the most of the reduction of 60 mins down to ~40 and a higher quality.
I've never got on well with the polar scope.
My (evolving) routine is:
Set the mount as level as possible, (level east-west helps in alignment, north-south makes alt alignment more repeatable night to night)
Set the scope and finder to point together etc. Balance the mount.
Point the mount so the scope points along the polar axis. RA at it's highest and Dec aligned with the counterweight.
Adjust the mount Az to point the scope at Polaris (unless far out I don't touch alt)
Using a star on the southern 0 dec (approx) I drift AZ. And lock it off.
Point the scope at Polaris aligning east west.
Use the ALt adjustment to centre Polaris.
Using a star on the east horizon, drift the Alt.
Check Az drift again stop if ok
*** check Alt drift stop if ok
repeat ***

Steve

correction


*** Check Az drift again stop if ok
check Alt drift stop if ok
repeat ***

Hi Steve,

Well done that is a fine image. One important thing to remember we all had to start somewhere don't even worry about standards just keep on imaging and you will get there. And if you need any help just ASK.

Carl.