Saturn, Comet – 73PSchwassmann Wachm, Jupiter, M17, M82, and the Moon.

I thought I’d try some wide field images last night – I shot the following using my Digital SLR mounted prime focus on my 50mm finder scope – it was just the right field of view to capture all 3 – Saturn, Mars, and the Beehive Cluster. Focusing was a bit tricky as the finder scope doesn’t actually have a focuser – and probably wasn’t intended for mounting a camera on.

Six images shot at ISO 200 for 1 sec ea. then stacked in RegiStax. The planets are somewhat over exposed – but it was nescessary to bring out some of the Beehive. As the two planets get closer together I’ll switch to one of my main scopes and get some more detailed shots.

3 x 30sec images at ISO1600 – approx. 10:25pm Sunday.

I went out again last night (Saturday), but there was a heavy mist in the sky – everywhere I aimed the scope – nebulosity! But not the kind I was looking for. I did catch a glimpse of comet 73P before packing up though. All in all it was a good weekend for observing.

New images posted by Clyde Miller of The Moon, M82, M17, M5, Saturn, and Comet 73P can be seen here.

Images from last nights Messier Madness taken by Tim Harpur. Added M3, M104, M1.