Astrophotography Archives - Page 2 of 61

October 13, 2024October 13, 2024

10/13/2024 The Flaming Star Nebula

Here is my first image with my new ZWO ASI2600MC Pro camera, the Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405) in Auriga. I used my Samyang 135mm f/2 prime lens on my Celestron AVX mount. That ought to be enough name dropping to get me a corporate sponsor.
IC 405 is an Hydrogen Alpha emission nebula, glowing by its own heat.
It was really windy last night at the River Ridge Observatory but the AVX handled it well. This is 3 hours and 20 minutes of five minute subs stacked together. I had to wait until 2:30 for the Moon to go down so it was nearly 6 AM when it was done. Now to sell some stuff to help pay for it.

October 13, 2024October 13, 2024

10/12/2024 Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas

Here is my first picture of Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas taken last night at the River Ridge Observatory. My friend, John Reed, announced that the comet might be visible after sunset when he arrived for the monthly meeting of the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society. I thought it wouldn’t be for a few days. Anyway, we all delayed the start of the meeting while we watched in the glacially slow darkening of the sky. Finally, someone spotted it from the deck and we all gathered there. Obviously just inches above the trees about 30 minutes after sunset it was barely visible. I had focused on the Moon beforehand but this looks soft to me. Then again, comets are soft objects and the head looks fairly sharp. This does look like it will be a bright comet so try to get out and see it with your binoculars.

October 6, 2024October 7, 2024

10/5/2024 Flame and Horsehead, Orion Belt and Sword, Triangulum Galaxy

Saturday night was another good night at the River Ridge Observatory. I had two rigs running. My C11 with Hyperstar and ZWO ASI533MC Pro camera on CGEM DX mount was one, my Samyang F/2 135mm with ZWO ASI294MC Pro on AVX mount was the other.

Please click the pictures for a full scale view.

The Flame and Horsehead Nebulas in Orion’s Belt are among the favorite objects for astrophotographers. This is probably my best Horsehead image to date. Shot with the C11 and ASI533MC Pro, two hours of three minute subs.

Meanwhile, with the Samyang and ASI294MC Pro, I was shooting all of the belt and sword of Orion. Also two hours but with two minute subs.

Finally, but actually first in the evening was M33 shot with the C11 and ASI533MC Pro. 2 3/4 hours of five minute subs. Notice the red hydrogen areas.