Astrophotography anyone?

[TristanP]

Last May while in Dewey Beach, DE, I was able to take some pics of Comet NEAT as it had a close encounter with the Beehive cluster (M44). This is 12 shots (F/2.4, 3 sec, ISO 200) from my tripod-mounted F717, full optical zoom, stacked and massaged in PS7.

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/NEAT_M44.jpg

In comparison, here's what the comet looked like with some real optics:

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040423.html

And another shot of it near M44:

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040617.html

[Shay Stephens]

Here's one of the Andromeda galaxy I did with the 717:
http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/andromeda1a.jpg

The andromeda image was f/2 - 30 seconds - ISO 400. I stacked 5 images I believe, and I piggy backed the camera off a Meade ETX-60. Bare lens looking up at the sky. You can just make out some of the spiral detail too.

[DoctorIt]

In comparison, here's what the comet looked like with some real optics:

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040423.html

And another shot of it near M44:

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040617.htmlDo they make those lenses in Canon mount??? :rofl:lol3

[pathfinder]

Here's one of the Andromeda galaxy I did with the 717:
http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/andromeda1a.jpg

The andromeda image was f/2 - 30 seconds - ISO 400. I stacked 5 images I believe, and I piggy backed the camera off a Meade ETX-60. Bare lens looking up at the sky. You can just make out some of the spiral detail too.
How did you mount the 717 to the Meade ETX-60, Shay?

I own an ETX-90 I believe, and had not thought of using it's tripod and tube as a mount for an outboard camera. Would it be strong enough to hold a 20D and a small short telephoto prime like an 85 f1.8 ?? How would you connect it to the optical tube of the telescope?

My only astrophotos were taken with stationary tripods like this image of Orion. You can see the movement of the stars in this 30 sec exposure.
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3303356-L.jpg

Or this image of the moon...
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3258135-L.jpg


We should encourage other astronomers to post the astro photos here - they are fascinating to see:thumb

[davev]

The moon, D reb, sigma 80-400 o.s. hand held, 100% crop.
With Tamron 1.4 tc (the cheap one)



http://www.pbase.com/davev/image/39911858.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/davev/image/39911858)