I just recently bought a telescope with imaging capabilities, and being a complete newbie at this, I was itching to get out and try this thing to see how complicated it could be. Well, being a smart telescope, it is fairly easy to use. However, there are a lot of complications that make it difficult to get some really nice pictures. This is a work in progress and I’m really excited to learn how to do this better. This was the first day that was clear since buying it and here are the results.
Sun
I purchased a solar filter so I could capture the April 8th solar eclipse. This is the first attempt at viewing the Sun. Focusing is a bit difficult, but, I’ll get it eventually.
Pretty cool being able to see some sun spots.
Moon
Just happened to be a full moon so I was able to take a crack at imaging the moon. I still need to figure out the focus, but, pretty decent for a first attempt.
M51 – Whirlpool Galaxy
This is an 8 min exposure of the M51 – Whirlpool Galaxy.
The first deep space object I imaged. I was still trying to figure out the app and discovered how to do a long exposure. Eight minutes is not enough but I was getting antsy to see other stuff so I stopped it. Certainly will try this again because even on a full moon and some clouds it came in pretty good.
M97 – Owl Nebula
This is an 10 min exposure of the M97 – Owl Nebula.
I was hoping for something bigger and more colorful. I think I need to have a better night (no moon and clouds) and a longer exposure time to see this better.
Blue Oyster Nebula
This is an 10 min exposure of the Blue Oyster Nebula.
The name caught my eye because of a funny scene in the Police Academy movies!
It is pretty small but could be something to revisit again once I get a little better with the scope.
12P/Pons-Brooks Comet
This is an 16 sec exposure of the 12P/Pons-Brooks comet.
This was pretty low on the horizon and there was some light clouds in the area. The scope was having troubles stacking images for anything longer than 16 secs. I’ll keep trying to get this one.
M101 – Pinwheel Galaxy
This is an 15 min exposure of the M101 – Pinwheel Galaxy.
Very faint after 15 mins. I think the full moon and some light clouds in the area where causing some of the issue. Also, the temperature was dropping so maybe the scope was coming out focus at this point.
Candy Wrapper Nebula
This is an 3 min exposure of the Candy Wrapper Nebula.
Pretty nice blue color, but it is pretty small. I stopped it after 3 mins. I may revisit another time.
M1 – Crab Nebula
This is an 10 min exposure of the Crab Nebula.
Images of this I have seen have been very colorful. I’ll need to try this one again on a moonless night without any clouds. Also, I think the focus was out of whack.