I decided I wanted to try for M16 last night (open cluster with nebulosity) however, I figured my chances of success were minimal due to the following reasons:
(1) M16 keeps very low in the south
(2) My view to the south low down is very poor - lots of light pollution - in fact last night the only star I could see South was about Mag 2.8.....
(3) It was very hot & I was imaging just above the top of a large wooden shed with an asphalt roof.
(4) My SC3 webcam is uncooled & does not have the amp-off mod. In fact last night I could see 'hot pixels' flashing on & off on the screen in preview (never seen this before)
(5) Due to trees etc. I only have a small opportunity of imaging this so I needed to be all set up & tracking etc. before it was dark.
However, all said it was very clear last night. I currently use Delphinius for mag levels & could see Zeta Del at mag 4.64
Anyway I set up my SC3 with MN56 using a 0.5X FR with Baader Moon & Skyglow filter & captured 132 X 10 Secs frames. I figured using the 0.5X FR would give me a nice wide view of the cluster & any nebulosity.
I'm pleased with the result although, as expected it's a bit noisy (I really need to look into cooling the webcam) - I might try & image again without the FR to get higher resolution on the 'Eagle'.
Cheers, John.
(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.punnett/graphics/oas/m16_20060717.jpg)
Well you must be chuffed to bits with that camera, again a great image for the price.
Now get it cooled and get guiding :)
Thks Chris - Yep I'm pleased .. Since I've modified the Toucam I've taken loads of images of DSO's not possible with the equipment I had before - Spending £60 on a new CCD for the Toucam was probably the best money I've spent on this hobby. Cooling is definitely the way to go though.. I'll need to try and sort out a Peltier circuit... sounds like fun.
Cheers, John
John,
your last couple of images have been fantastic!!!!!
Fay
Thank you Fay :-) I've just spent an hour or so updating my webpage
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.punnett/
If you hit the All images button you can access all my latest pictures. I also updated my Messier list I've now completed 13 out of 110.... (11%)... I think it'll be a life long effort to get this filled up.... :-( Still there are a few NGC/ Caldwell & of course planetary & moon shots in between...
Up until Jan 2006 most of my imaging comprised planetary/ moon with a few DSLR images - since January (when I modified the camera) I've managed lots of DSO's...
How are you getting on with the Toucam...?
John
John, what a joy to see such dedication to the art. This ones is so low down. Magic just magic!
Thks Greg - I must admit i was pleased with the result - John
If you send me the original I will make sure it gets published. I think there is some cash for getting pics published.
Greg can you pm me you email address or send to john at jp-technologies dot co dot uk
Thks