2014-11-26 Whiteside MO with Full Spectrum Nikon D5200

Post date: Nov 26, 2014 10:16:33 PM

The images were taken through a Meade LX90 ACF 203 mm aperture F/10 with 0.63x Antares focal reducer and JMI EV-3 focuser. A Spencer’s Photo and Video 49 mm Visible + H-Alpha filter was in the focuser. The imager was a Nikon D5200 with full spectrum modification, at prime focus. The optical tube assembly was mounted on a Celestron Advanced VX mount and guided with an Orion Magnificent Mini 50mm StarShooter auto guider using Stark Labs PHD2.

This is one of our dual-camera setups at Whiteside. Al's camera Nikon D7000 is mounted on an ADM Vixen rail below the Meade LX90. My D5200 full spectrum modified camera is mounted at prime focus of the telescope. There are two batteries on the ground: one provides power to the telescope and the other provides power to the laptop computer, which controls the autoguider. The black foam extension prevents ice or condensation from forming on the telescope optics.

NGC1952 (M1) the Crab Nebula

I was excited to finally detect the faint red filaments surrounding the crab. This image has a total exposure of 22 minutes at ISO-1600 with 9 light, 10 dark, 20 bias and 20 flat frames.

It is interesting to compare this image taken before the camera was modified to the image after modification. The first image, with the un-modified camera is with 24 minutes of exposure and the second is with 22 minutes of exposure.

NGC1976 (M42) and NGC1982 (M43) the Orion Nebula

This image has a total exposure of 4 minutes 20 seconds at ISO-1600 with 6 light, 6 dark, 20 bias and 20 flat frames. I had limited time to take additional light images because of approaching clouds.

Again, it is interesting to compare this result with a similar image taken before the camera was modified. This image has 23 minutes of exposure.