Here are three pretty good guys helping to prepare the GM 8 for the first nights activity. From left to right: Brett Hardy, Tim Appleton and Chris Appleton.
One of the nice aspects of a star party is that you pick up methods and techniques that you might not otherwise come across.
The WO 110 with Ranger is a perfect setup for a Star party.
Here I am using a MX7C and SXV H9C for imaging.
The nice feature of the Kendrick Astro Tent is that no-one walks into your setup by accident. The control area is nice to work in. This compartment screens out insects and provides a measure of privacy during imaging.
With a little practice you can set one of these up in by yourself in about 45 minutes. It comes down in about fifteen.
Image Captures at SF 2005
Chris Appleton had a major part of this years success. He has far more experience and a greater eye for detail than I do. It made sense to point our setup to the south to take advantage of the great summer targets.
M20 gave us the first nights activity.
Next night NGC 6946 almost at zenith. This object is not really suited for widefield but conditions were good to try it anyway. One of my favourite galaxies. During the capture the galaxy was nearly indiscernable, but Chris did an excellent job of prying the data out. A number of foreground stars are from our own galaxy, NGC 6946 is 10 million light years away.
Lastly, M16 wraps up a successful trio of images.
Info Sessions:
The North York Astronomical Association does a fabulous job year in and out organizing this event. A wide range of seminars from beginner to advanced. I enjoyed Doug George's session on Maxim DL capabilities and sat in on the Meade launch of their new RC product. Later during the evenings imaging session, Doug popped over to our site to see how we were doing.
The Meade event has just emptied out. This tent seats 700 and has two large presentation screens. Great effort for the organizers and volunteers.
Here is Brett getting ready to roll.
Looking forward to next year already
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