Integration time (running total):
    * OSC 11 X 120s (22m)
    * Total: 0h22m
    
    Integration time target
    * Target: 2 hours
    * Progress: 18%

This is another experiment on the feasibility of using an F12 scope for deep sky imaging. I have deliberately chosen an object close to the zenith which should remain visible for some time with the aim of completing a multi-night image before the end of galaxy season. The altitude will decline as we enter the month of June so the next two…

    Integration time:
    * OSC 33 X 120s (66m)
    * Total: 1h06m

This evening was unexpectedly clear though with a thin layer of high, semi-tramsparent cloud which affected guiding and visibility. Around half the gathered frames were discarded. The clouds got thicker around 1 am so I closed the observatory roof and left the calibration frames for the morning. As has been the case recently, calibration frames have been very problematic but I did finally resolve two outstanding issues:

    Integration time:
    * OSC 148 X 120s (296m)
    * Total: 4h56m
    

3rd May 2023 Having initially imaged this in December, I have only now been able to process this properly but again without flats (disaster struck again!)

    Integration time:
    * SII 75 x 300s (375m)
    * Ha 86 x 300s (430m)
    * OIII 53 x 300s (265m)
    * Total: 1070m/17h50m

    Integration time target
    * Target: 20 hours
    * Progress: 89%

Notes

28th April 2023 I recently acquired a more capable processing PC which has opened the door to re-processing of lots of old data which was languishing untouched due to the unreasonable length of time required for the old PC to run Pixinsight. Nine months after the initial acquisition, the…

    Integration time (running total):
    * OSC 139 X 120s (278m)
    * Total: 4h38m

In spite of the pretty poor weather, galaxy season is still underway. I’m really happy with the detail in M108 and the central star in M97. The Antlia RGB filter is proving challenging at the processing stage as some very unusual reflections are apparent. This might also be light leaks in the flats (more likely, in fact). To be investigated.

    Integration time (running total):
    * OSC 10 X 300s (50m)
    * Total: 50m
    
    Integration time target
    * Target: 3 hours
    * Progress: 28%

An unexpected clear couple of hours gave me the chance to check the recalibration of backlash on the EQ6R Pro which now seems to work nicely having guided at around 0.7"/px consistently last night. By way of as test I shot some 5 minute frames on M64 followed by some flats and flat darks in accordance with my new calibration frames…

A live stream in Sharpcap. Click “Read More” below to watch.

    Integration time (running total):
    * OSC 62 X 120s (205m)
    * Total: 2h04m
    

The beautiful cluster in Perseus.

    Integration time (running total):
    * OSC 231 X 300s (1155m)
    * Total: 19h15m
    
    Integration time target
    * Target: 20 hours
    * Progress: 96%

The main observatory mount needs a strip down and re-grease to rectify poor guiding. While this work is undertaken I have switched to the fantastic HEQ5 Pro and the 80mm refractor which consistently guides at an RMS of 0.2 - 0.3"/px and sometimes lower. The Tadpoles and Spider Nebula is a brand new target which should remain…

    Integration time 80ED (running total):
    * OSC 41 X 300s (205m)
    * Total: 3h25m

    Integration time 200PDS (running total):
    * OSC 206 X 300s (1030m)
    * Total: 17h10m
    
    Integration time target
    * Target: 10 hours
    * Progress: 171%

Notes

15th December 2022 Another superb clear night which was warmer than yesterday reaching -4.5°C. One of the very best imaging nights with a total of 20h30m data gathered with two rigs! I have plenty of data now so time to process the…