Imaging is very challenging and has many variables. That’s what makes it so enjoyable. What is even more challenging is constantly battling the desire to buy new gear and software. The draw to get better images almost borders on an addiction!
Anyway, I bought a new imaging scope earlier in the year. A Sharpstar 61 EDPHII
When I bought the Sharpstar, I remember posting that I could configure my Explore Scientific ED102 for visual while the Sharpstar was in service imaging wider-field nebulae.
Well, I actually did that!
At F7, the
Took awhile to get around to it. I had to do some work on the
I must say, the white
Setup is so easy for visual compared to imaging. Plug in the powertank and just set the mount up on my imaging bricks (North) and start the Star alignment with the
After about 20 minutes of “growing pains“ (stupid stuff), I got the first star aligned. The second alignment star was a snap.
I created a small observation list in SkySafari of mainly doubles to get started.
Observations:
Leaving the 12mm reticle eyepiece in place, I moved to Saturn for a peek.
Fairly nice smallish view with the 12mm (60x), so I plopped in my old favorite
Went back to the 8mm Agena eyepiece and on to Jupiter.
Pow! Nice view! Back in went the X-Cel 5mm for a finer view!
The two main cloud bands (zones) were popping. I think that the view would have been even better with a uhc filter (I have one somewhere), but even without the filter, planetary details were sharp. Had the
Tried for the Saturn Nebula and
Moved to both
Then on to some doubles.
Of course, the double standard (pun intended), Alberio was magnificent as always. Bright, colorful, and nicely separated. Also, Almach is just as beautiful, but just slightly more dim.
Achird was really an awesome view with the bright yellow-white main star and much dimmer crystal clear golden dot of the secondary star.
After getting set up, I spent about 1 ½ hours viewing.
The
I started viewing about 6 years ago and later joined AF in 2016 (hence the 16 in Juno16). About 2 ½ years ago I started dabbling in
Sorry for getting so long winded!
I had a great time and will certainly be out again. At least until galaxy season where the ED102 will be back in imaging service!