Help with Canon T3i

[Kerry C.]

Thank you in advance...
I have tried searching the forum for Canon T3i setup for solar system photography using the Nexstar 8SE. I haven’t had any luck so far. Could someone post a good link for beginners. I want to start out with something large in the sky like the moon and sun (even though the sun isn’t showing any spots right now).
I know the basics of setting up the telescope as in aligning so it will track. I actually set it up to track the sun today...pretty cool for me.
I have the T mount and ring for the camera and have attached it with the camera a few times, so I am familiar with that also.
I have joined a local astronomy club and I know they will help, but they don’t meet for a weeks or so.

Again, thanks in advance,
Kerry

[JayTee]

Hi Kerry,

The easiest way to do this is to download the free trial of either Backyard EOS (BYE), or Astro Photography Tool (APT). Both have full-feature 30-day trials. A lot of folks like the user interface of BYE but APT is the more capable title.

Both of these pieces of software will help you acquire the images for planetary imaging and automate the process. It'll take a little bit of learning on your part but no more than about 30 minutes.

Cheers,
JT

[JimMinCT]

BE CAREFUL!!!
I can't stress this point enough.
Be sure you are using a reputable solar filter, and have the scope stopped down to a reasonable size. (Solar scopes aren't big, in case you hadn't noticed.) 2"-3" is fine.
Old Sol is a pretty big target that can incinerate both your scope, and your eye in milliseconds if not given full respect.

[Kerry C.]

Hi Kerry,

The easiest way to do this is to download the free trial of either Backyard EOS (BYE), or Astro Photography Tool (APT). Both have full-feature 30-day trials. A lot of folks like the user interface of BYE but APT is the more capable title.

Both of these pieces of software will help you acquire the images for planetary imaging and automate the process. It'll take a little bit of learning on your part but no more than about 30 minutes.

Cheers,
JT

Sweet!
Thanks JT, I will look at both of those.
Kerry

BE CAREFUL!!!
I can't stress this point enough.
Be sure you are using a reputable solar filter, and have the scope stopped down to a reasonable size. (Solar scopes aren't big, in case you hadn't noticed.) 2"-3" is fine.
Old Sol is a pretty big target that can incinerate both your scope, and your eye in milliseconds if not given full respect.

Jim, thank you for the warning concerns.
I purchased the Celestron solar filter recommended for the Nexstar 8SE.
I used it today with amazing results.

Kerry

[Hikescdnrckys]

I second JayTee's suggetion re Backyard EOS, it's great software and very easy to use for beginners. There are also YouTube videos that demonstrate all the functions of the product by the developer himself (seehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3gkw8bx7Aw. It's also reasonably priced.