Ad Astra Observatory

The camera is out there capturing an unguided shot of M42 for the RCC’s first light image.

…and here it is. As usual, it’s another M42. This is 30 frames, 2 minutes each, unguided (total of 1 hour exposure time)

From the test frames, I can tell that there is still some stuff that needs adjustment. Focus was a little rough (just eyeballed it), and I can tell that the camera is not pointing at the center of the main mirror, because the RCC is showing a slightly curved focal plane on the left-hand side of the image, but nice and flat on the right.

Generally, the RCC looks like a winner. I would have to shoot against the MPCC to see if it does the same thing.

I’m guessing that I need to work collimation and focus before I can really give this corrector a run for its money. Not to mention setting up some guiding. 🙂

I also set up Pumpkin with a DUP. With the DUP, the rings, the motor, and a 2” diagonal, Pumpkin weighs in at a hefty 10#. But that’s still pretty light, considered. I am really looking forward to cruising the winter Milky Way in Ha like I did through Cygnus and Cepheus this summer.

I sent off the OAG for repair today.
I await the clip-in Ha filter, so I can do narrowband with Veronica, too.
Mount could use some tweaks to the polar alignment. I need to find the Gizmo.

So I’m easing back into astronomy. The shed is still a mess, and things aren’t all set up yet, but I’m getting closer.