DSO 1 - First Imaging of the Orion Nebula

As I was dodging clouds here and there, I was only able to take four decent exposures but I was desperate to get my first bit of deep space imaging done. Here are the results:

OTA: 120mm Achromatic Refractor

Camera: Nikon D3100 14.2mp

Mount: CG-4 mount
Exposures: 4

Exposure: 20sec approx

ISO: 800

After consulting the forums, it's clear that I need to know light and dark frames very well. Whatever they are, they may help with my blooming stars, but I think a little more time focusing correctly will help too.

So there it is. First of many.

Constellation 1 - Orion

Here's a fun photo I took of the constellation Orion. I added in some trace lines between the component stars. I think I feel a series coming on

Lens: 20mm f2.8

Camera: Nikon D3100 14.2mp

Mount: Manfrotto

Exposure: 15sec

ISO: 1600

Irish Astronomy Blues

I feel the need to prove that I've at least tried to do some astronomy during our recent bout of bad weather. One night did provide fairly good seeing but photography was right out of the question as I was dodging the clouds for most of the evening.

I'm starting to believe what I heard another Irish amateur astronomer say, which was something like; "Irish astronomers are all masochists!".

However, after acquiring a fine Celestron solar filter for my scope, I now have twice the time in which I can be disappointed by the weather. I was really looking forward to getting one seeing that we have a solar maximum coming this year. Speaking of which I'm also hoping to see some Aurora this year. Something people further north have been lucky enough to enjoy already.