Gotta Love That Registax Software!!

So this evening I have been playing around with the Software I downloaded the other day.

I must say, very impressive for FREE software.

I decided to re-process my images from Saturn earlier this year.

This one is a stack of 20 images out of 95.

This really brings out the detail. You can see the Cassini Ring better, and really notice the shadow on the back side along with the large band on the planet too.
I really can't enlarge it much more without it looking very grainy. I'll need to install photoshop again to see if I can clean it up a bit more. Unfortunately, my disk space right now is limited.
Sorry.

New and Improved.

This is what it looked like before:

So that's it for now. I wish you clear skies and a good night!

My processed image of Jupiter.....

Ok, after spending a bit of time this morning using Registax (see link to right), I have managed to improve on the image my last night out observing.


It's not bad in my opinion. In fact, if you really enlarge the image, and brighten it up, you can see some of Jupiter's Moons to the right and left.


So, here it is:




I'm going to try and improve on the image from Satrun earlier this year and see what I come up with. If it's any good, I'll upload it here.


Clear Skies and blog with you soon! :)

Yet Another Cold Night!

As I type, my fingers are still numb. :)

But I did have a pretty good night. No viewing, just imaging.

My first attempt this evening was Jupiter, yet again. But I did manage get some better images.

Now these are pre-processing. I'll update with some post-processed images later.

This one was the 1st attempt this evening:

This was attempt #2: I call it Jupiter-2. Not to be confused with the Space Ship from Lost in Space. :)

No bad, eh?

So after these I thought I would try something a bit different and went for the Andromeda Galaxy.

I tried for sometime, and although I could see stars, I could never get the Galaxy in the FOV (Field of View) of the camera.

So after many attempts, I decided it was just way too cold (somewhere around 45-50 degrees), that I would just pack it in. Packing up I did. Now I don't know what made me look, but I took my flashlight and took a look at the lens of the scope.

Even if I did manage to see it, my images would have been a waste of disk space. There was way too much dew.

So good thing I quit.

Now too warm up. But the scope is pretty set, that I may just try the galaxy again tomorrow.

This time I'll use my focal reducer so I don't need to keep swapping my camera for an eye piece, I can jus us the flip mirror.

Check back again soon. I may just have some new images!!

Clea Skies and Good Night!

Tonights Observations - September 10, 2008

So this evening I thought I would try and image Jupiter. That's my goal. I really would like to share what I see and what a fantastic hobby Astronomy can be.

But, as they say, the stars where not in my favor. Just couldn't get a good focus. Was able to better adjust the color, but with the heat rising off the surface of our wonderful planet, there was no way I could get a good focus.

So, rather than give up, I took the guided tour and did see 2 things I never saw before:
Messier 13 - http://www.raben.com/deepsky/m13-2007-05-27.jpg
Messier 92 - http://www.ing.iac.es/PR/science/messier92s.jpg
Now these images are not mine. I just Google them so I could show you what I was looking at.

Both are globular clusters (a bunch of stars), but great to look at.

Since I put the camera away, I wasn't able to try and take pictures. But, I also made it a point that I would try and get some images of planets or other near by objects before I attempt anything like this.

Oh, going back, while I was trying to re-align the scope with Jupiter, this object (I don't know what it was) just "zipped" through the view (eyepiece). I was surprised. I stood up and said "What the F*&^ was that?". It really took me off guard. :)

Also, where the heck did the summer go? It was sooooo cold out. My computer tells me it's 58 degrees out, but it's got to be colder than that. My hands are still cold/stiff while I'm typing here.
Ok, so that was tonight. I really want to get some good images to share with you all (all 4 of you), so when I do, I'll be sure to post them here.

Clear skies and Good Night!!

Another Great Night Of Viewing - August 26, 2008

After last nights disappointment (battery was dead in my focuser) tonight turned out GREAT!!!
Last night's only excitement was an Iridium flare which I happen to see while waiting for Polaris to appear.

I was able to image Jupiter (stay tuned for the final image), but I'm not too pleased. I find it difficult to focus, let alone find it in the camera image. Then, the contrast never seems to good. But here is a sample:

Then, I decided to just go viewing different objects when my daughter came outside.

We saw some really great things:

1st: Dumbbell Nebula - I tried to view with my Nebula Filter, but found it better without. We could actually see some detail. Very impressive

2nd: Wild Duck Cluster - In my opinion, better than the Dumbbell Nebula. Even my daughter agreed.

3rd: Andromeda Galaxy - This is always a great site to see. Some day I want to image that, but I won't attempt any DSO (Deep Sky Objects) until I can at least get better images of planets.

While packing everything up and bringing it inside, I did also see a shooting star. I didn't, but maybe I should have made a wish. :)

So that was my evening. This week is looking good for more viewing, and imaging if I'm up to it, but we'll see. I'll post a link soon (I hope) of the final image of jupiter after post processing.

Until next time, Good night.

Oh, forgot to mention the coyotes!! They sounded pretty good last night while I was out there. Just thought I would throw that in there. You never know what you're going to see/hear when you're out, huh?

A Night of Viewing

Wow, what I night!

My father-in-law stopped by, so I mentioned the possibility of looking at Jupiter and he was all for it. My plan really was to try and image it, but like many say, looking is just as good.

So we had a really nice view of Jupiter and 4 moons. Truly fantastic. Jen (my wife was there - and surprisingly she looked too), and Lauren, my oldest daughter too.

Once we viewed Jupiter it was time to take a look at some other stuff, and we tried the guided tour. But I was being very selective as to what we were going to look at.
Gee....I really can't remember what we were going to look at, but I do remember what we did look at.

While trying to find the Swan Nebula, we found a great cluster of stars. Really nice, never did see the nebula, but the cluster was a great unexpected bonus.

While we were looking for things to view, my daughter pointed out a couple of things:
1) A random satellite....but turned out to be an iridium flare!! Really neat, but unfortunately, my father in law was looking at Jupiter and missed the flare part.
2) The ISS (International Space Station), that's always fun to watch fly over.

We didn't give up there, we went looking for the Ring Nebula. Having seen that before, I knew what I was looking for.

Now the scope just wasn't pointing the way I would like it, so I used it's spiral search function, and ta da!!! There she is!!! What a beauty! I am just so impressed by the ring nebula. I mean, you can only think to your self: How? and Why?

This was the first my daughter has seen it, and even she thought it was "cool".

So, no images tonight. But really a nice night of viewing. Any time I can see more than 1 thing other than my primary target, I am pleased.

Good Night,
/steven/

Photo Gallery - July 27, 2008

Well, I finally got around to posting some of my images.

These are the best. Didn't want to force you all to look at some boring, out of focus pictures.

I hope to get some more up soon. ust as soon as I take some. It's either too cloudy, or the mosquitos too fierce (they've been about the size of Volkswagen Beetles lately).

You can view them here: Gallery

Jupiter - July 18, 2008

Ok, I know I'm a few days behind.............

So last Friday I made my attempt to image Jupiter. Not really me day I guess.

I get the scope all aligned and go to slew to Jupiter. Just about there, then.........no power!!! The power cord slipped out of the extension cord. :(

So, time to re-align.

Aligned.

Slewing.

Got Juptiter.

Install camera.

Go to get Jupiter in the view.

Jupiter moves behind some trees. :(
I could wait, maybe 30 minutes................then

Clouds roll in.

That's when I gave up for the evening.

I am determined and will not give up. So keeping checking back. Please?

Jupiter - 7/15/08 and other views

Clear skies tonight!!! Yippee!!

Got the scope out and tried tricking the scope into thinking it was in a different time zone (set back 1 hour), only to find later that I shoud set DST to "Yes".

Had some great views of Saturn. Even went down as low as 9mm.

Tried doing a sky tour, but the scope was thrown off when my JMI focuser hit the base, Grrrrrrrr.

But reset and all seems to be ok. And re-did the sky tour. Looked at Antares, and a double cluster. Very nice. What I really want to look at are some Nebulas and Galaxies!! Next time.

Used my red filter this time for Jupter and that really brought out the detail. My neighbor came over and had a nice view. Much better than the other night.

So, if all is well next time, I'll attach the camera and start doing some imaging again. This time of Jupiter.

Which reminds me, I really need to post what few pictures I have.

Jupiter - July 10, 2008

Don't get me wrong, I'm not lazy.
But it's 9:45 and I just don't want to drag everything out.
I just hope tomorrow is just as nice.
So I go out to close the windows and my Jeep and look for Jupiter.
It has got to be the brightest thing in the sky right now!!!!

So I go and get my binoculars (as mentioned in a previous post) and take a look.
Now I don't see any detail, but I do see at least 1 moon and maybe a 2nd!!!

Just fantastic!!

If tomorrow evening is just as good I going to get everything out there and even try some imaging too.

Wish me luck!!

Iridium Flares

Given the sort of weather we are having, I really haven't had the opportunity to take the scope out since my last posting.

We keep having these late afternoon, early evening storms. In fact, we're having one now. :(

By the time things clear up, I just can't find myself getting all my gear out for just a few minutes of viewing.

So, what does one do when they want to view the sky, but don't want to get their gear out? Look for Iridium Flares! Now, you could just log on to http://www.heavens-above.com/ or you could just look for them on your own. It appears that where I am (Central Mass.), they appear roughly around the same time. 10:30'ish.

So last night, my wife and I were hangin' out on the deck watching TV. I know, I said the weather hasn't been ideal, but last night I wasn't sure so we just hung out watching the TV on the deck.

Around 10:30 we decide it was time to go in. You see, we both have to go to work.

I'm putting the Tiki torches out, gathering stuff that needs to go inside (ie. empty beer can or 2, remote for TV....the TV), when I decide to just look up. I see a satelite going over head.

So I watch it. Commenting to myself, "Gee, that's getting brighter." Now I've seen the flares several times before. And even without checking the time table, but..........this has to be the best I've seen.

Not only did it get brighter, but.......seriously........had a huge flash. Like a flare in the sky. I'm sorry my wife wasn't there to see it. It was absolutely incredible.

So, next time your out, look up. Don't just dismiss a passing satelite as just another satelite. Watch it, it may be one of the most incredible things you see in the sky.

Keep your eyes pointing up and looking. And I'll be checking in with you all again soon!

June 25, 2008 - The "Other" Scope

So I've been trying to put this new scope (so to speak) through it's paces, but the weather doesn't seem to cooperate. It's cloudy in the earlier evening (9-ish), and it's not until 10 or 10:30 that the clouds seem to depart. By that time, I don't feel like bringing the scope outside.

So this is what I have been doing:

1)I do have it on it's tripod.
2)I have brought it outside, but only to the extent to Calibrate the motors and train the drives.

But here is my overall opinion of the ETX 125 PE vs. the ETX 125 AT:

The Smartfinder will take some getting use to. It's not as user friendly as your traditional finderscope, in that you need to "squat" down to look through it for things at higher elevations, and you need to ensure that the laser dot is centered on the "screen" to know what you are pointed at.
Otherwise, hey.....it's pretty cool. It has a laser!!

The LNT (Level North Technology) seems to be a good addition to the scope. But again, given the chances to use it, I haven't really put that to the test with regard to alignments. So I will comment on this later.

The drives appear to be much better than the ETX 125 AT (AT going forward). They seem to be tighter and much less lag time in slewing. However, I do appear to have back lash when trying to slew left/right, and have been trying to work that out. I have even gone to the extent of changing the Alt/RA ratio, but I feel I shouldn't have to have it set to 99% to compensate for this.

I mounted my new JMI Moto Focus today. Sweet! I like it! You can certainly see a difference in the fact that there is little or no distrubance when focusing. However, I did notice that when the motors engage, the whole view sometimes shifts. I think I know what the problem is, so I'll try working that out later. I'm just content with the fact that I can focus without that "vibration" that can make focusing an irritation.

Oh, another good point. You no longer have to re-enter the date. Seems the PE will save that info. Not sure about time yet, because I forgot to check that. I would like to assume that it does, but who knows.

Well, that's it for now. Overall, I'm liking the scope. But my final opinion will come when I can get it out in the dark and really try it out. Particularly while imaging.

Stay Tuned and Clear Skies all!

June 20, 2008

Well, nothing new to report. Still no scope. They haven't shipped it back yet. I'll have to remember to give them a call sometime today and see what's up. When I called on Monday, I was told no later than Thursday, and I should receive an email stating it has shipped and a tracking number. :(

On another note, I thought I share a couple of other things with you.
The other day I did finally receive my Meade hat, along with a very nice personal note from Susie. Thank you Susie!!

A couple of weeks ago I did order (from The Meade Outlet Store) a 6 Piece Outdoor Set. I think they called it the Explorer. Here's my review:

1) Multi Use Tool: Not bad. I think they're all the same, and this is like the 4th one I own now.

2) Pedometer: My wife wants this, and well so do I. So we may fight over it. I just want to see how far a really walk when I have to cut the grass. :)

3) Compass: Now, this is nice, and I may have just bought it by itself.
I do have another compass I use (to help align my tripod), but it's a WWII German compass that my Opa (grandfather) gave me, and I really would just like to keep that in a drawer so I don't misplace it. But this Meade Compass I must admit, is better. More staple, and points North quickly without having to wait for the dial to stop going back and forth.
So this will replace the WWII compass.

4) Flashlight: I can see some use for this. Most likely designed for a child, but it has a clip, and I can clip it to the brim of my hat (see ablove). My intention is to add some red filter. Once clipped to the hat, I now have 2 hands to pick out eyepieces, swap them out, etc. So this is definitely a handy item to have in your bag.

5) Speaking of bag: Well, what can I say. The bag holds all you see in the picture above.

6) Binoculars: Now this is the real reason I purchased this kit. I have been wanting a pair for sometime and $27 seemed pretty reasonable. Well, I'll tell you, for $27 you couldn't get a better pair of binoculars. These provide a very crisp and clear view!! I really like them!! And have used them while I wait for my scope to return.

Oh, which brings me back to my scope..........it's HERE!!! In the midst of writing this post, UPS delivered the scope. Funny, I know it takes a week to shipped from Irvine, CA......why didn't Meade know it had shipped. Well, doesn't matter, it's here now. Unfortunately, the weather doesn't appear to be very favorable for the next few days, but we'll see.

Update (since I wrote the above at work, and I am now at home):
So I opened the box and................it's not my scope. ;) In fact, it's a later model.
An ETX 125 PE vs ETX 125 AT. This one has a Smartfinder Scope and LNT (Level North Technology). The LNT is suppose to help with alignments and targeting.

So I'm at a dilema, do I hold on to it, or call and ship it back and wait a few more weeks. I'll have to ponder this for a bit. But I may just set it up and see just how much better it is over the other one.

Gee, why couldn't they have shipped me an LX200!!!!!

June 10, 2008

Wow, some great things today!!

1) Today is my daughter's 16th Birthday. (Well, maybe that might be too great.....she's growing up too fast). My does time fly!

2) Meade Customer Service called. They say my scope should be finished this week and shipping back. Yippee!!

3) Susie from Meade (Community Relations Rep), emailed saying they are shipping me a hat! I know, sounds kinda lame, but I just like hats. And before you say anything..........I do have hair on my head. A bit grey, but I'm not ashamed of it. :)

I'll update more when the scope arrives and I have had time to test it out.

Stay Tuned!!!!

June 3, 2008

Ok, so if you have been reading this, you know my scope is in for repairs.

I called last night, and Meade says another week. (I'm good with that). I do miss it. There have been some great nights this past week, that I would have loved to have used it.

In the meantime, what have I been doing?

Mostly yard work. :( But when the sun goes down, I still manage to stare up at the sky.

I recently started watching for "Iridium Flares" (learn more here). These are actually pretty cool (ok, couldn't really think of the best adjective, but cool will work). In my area (Massachusetts), they seem to be pretty late in the evening. Roughly 10:30PM or so, but worth the wait. I'm sure if you have children who can stay up that late, they would find these very interesting.

Satellite watching has been another thing I've been doing. Just sitting/standing on the deck looking up and seeing how many I could see. The other night, I saw 2 cross paths. Almost thought they were going to run into each other, but knew that NASA and JPL (Jet Propulsion Labs.) must know what they are doing. Right? :)

Other than that.....haven't been doing much else, being "scopeless". :(

I did order a set from Meade Outlet. The Adventures Set I believe. Consists of a flashlight (like I don't have enough - but this has a clip on it so you can even clip it to your hat. I'm thinking of putting some red lens on it and that will work great for night observations with the scope), multi-tool (got a few of those), compass (actually have a few of those too, but this one s is pretty nice!), pedometer (my wife wants to use that, but I may use it while mowing the lawn, I need to see just how much walking I do doing that), and some binoculars. Now, I have a pair of binoculars, but they're small and not so great. Pretty good for hunting, but these are actually better, and great for hunting. I can see into my neighbor's house across the street! (Not that I would do that). And the whole set was just $17!!! See! You can still find great deals!

I have thought about upgrading this about Section to a "Full Blown" Blog, so maybe you can look for that in the future. I would like people to share their thoughts, ideas and interest in this fascinating hobby.

And, I know.............before you ask, I need to post some images. I'll get to it, just don't have all that many to post. But maybe if I did post some images, people would stick around longer on this site? :)

So........for now........Clears Skies All!!

May 16, 2008

May 16, 2008 -

My long awaited package came yesterday. You people from Meade4M will appreciate it. :) This is what arrived:
- Meade 4M Community Patch, Pin and Decal
- Bag (of the cooler variety) I estimate it holds 8-10 Miller Lites. :)
I'll probably just use it to store all my Scope Cables (Controller, DSI, Power, etc).

Now don't get me wrong and think I'm being picky, but I was a bit disappointed there was no hat. The coffee cup I can do without, since we have too many according to my wife. But, the hat? Well, I just like to wear a hat on the weekends, and being able to support Meade easily would have been nice. I mean, who where's a Lapel Pin these days? The patch I'll just ask my wife to sew to my accessory bag that I carry my eyepieces with.

So, I sent an email asking if and when they are going to start selling these neat items from their Outlet Store, as I think people would buy them in support of their products....we shall see I guess.

That's it, just wanted to share.

May 7, 2008

Well, some of you who may know me from the Meade4M Forum, I go under the name swholden, probably have read my numerous posts about issues I have been having with my telescope.

As it turns out, according to Meade, there is high probability there is an issue with the motors.

For the last few weeks I have not been able to acquire a proper alignment, and even if I did get some sort of alignment, the scope was not pointing correctly.
In many cases, way off. Objects not even within either the finder scope or actual eyepiece.

So today, it goes back. Probably 3-5 weeks they say. :( Not sure what I'll do in the meantime. Probably drag the old Tasco out, or just stare at the sky like I did last night from the hot tub. :) Hey, saw 4 satellites fly over. I guess it was a good night for them.

Any, will keep you posted as I learn more.

I just hope to get my scope back better than ever.

Oh, for those that have read on the Meade4M Forum any derogatory comments about their customer service, should not believe what that they read. They have been nothing short of helpful to me. They have promptly answered the phone (1 ring yesterday), and have always been courteous too. That's all I have to say about that.

Until next time.......Clear Skies All!

May 2008

May 2008 -

So...where do I begin?

I could go back to the 5th grade, or my Senior Year in high school, but what really got me "addicted" would be the past October.

Here I am, standing out on my deck one evening (pretty much a nightly occurrence) just looking at the sky. I find myself looking at this one particular star (so I thought).

So I decided to drag this old Tasco Telescope out to take a look. I got the scope from my father-in-law. They were moving, and he was going to throw it away. Apparently the cleaning lady had knocked it over and just put everything out of whack.

I had been using it on rare occasions, but just to look at the moon.

Anyway, I set this up, point it at this star. This was tricky as the finder scope I could never get properly aligned. Talk about cheap. The best way I could do it was to remove the eye piece all together and look in until I see a bright light (assuming that is what I want to look at).

I get this baby point at my star. But, hey............it's not a star. IT'S JUPITER!!
Moons and all.

Well, now I'm hooked. Every night I set up and take a look. But given the fact that I need to turn these cables to move the scope, I got quickly tired of it, and started shopping for something better.

I found a great deal on an ETX 125 AT. And that's what I am currently using.

I'm hooked. What more can I say. I can't believe the things I have seen, and the things that are yet to be seen.

What have I seen you ask? Well, the moon of course, but there's lots more.
I remember my first glimpse at the Ring Nebula.
The Orion Nebula.
Andromeda
Pliedes

I'm like a black hole now, wanting more. Much More!

Winter comes..........too cold. At least for me, and I like to hunt.
So I set up the scope in the living room window to see what I can see (just like the bear).
Saturn's rising. I aim. I look.

I could not believe what I was seeing. Wanting to share this moment, I tell my wife to come look. She won't. Refuses to look through the scope. Probably thinks ET is going to be looking back at her. :)

Naturally, looking through a window is not too good. Removed the screen. Better.
Tried looking through the open window, but with all the heat rushing out, this was worse.

So I waited for milder temperatures. The first thing I looked at while being actually outside, was Saturn.

I almost cried. I could not believe the detail. The awesomeness (if that's a word).

I wanted more. Ordered a camera and first chance I got started imaging.
(I'll post the photos soon - but just want to get the core of this site going).

And that brings us up to today.

Unfortunately, living in the North East (Massachusetts), one can't rely on the weather. Maybe clear at 4:00 PM, but come night fall, over cast. Just like today. :(
But I can't wait to get back out there.

So, please come back and visit...often.....as I hope to have more to share with this new fantastic hobby called.....Astronomy.

Thanks for visiting.

/steven/