Images were taken with a self-modified Full Spectrum Canon 6D full frame camera. I have a review of the Canon 6D model posted HERE.
Imaging scope used was a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope using a new Orion HDX110 equatorial GoTo mount. For lifting the heavy mount (55 lbs.) onto the pier and the telescope (50 lbs.) onto the mount, I use a small hydraulic lift table that I take with me. The tripod/pier weighs 65 lbs. and I used a large plastic container with wheels to move it to where I set up. A Youtube video of my Orion HDX110 field setup can be seen HERE.
The EQMOD ASCOM driver was used to drive the HDX110 mount directly via a USB2EQ5 Interface Cable.
Equipment used:
The Orion HDX110 mount was polar aligned at first using the mount's polar align scope and then later tweaked using the drift align function of PHDGuiding 2.
During this New Moon period we had 2 clear (useable) nights out of a 7 night stay.
M51 Whirlpool Galaxy - 050816:
14 six-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X768). 18 dark frames and Master Flat & Bias were used for calibration.
M101 Pinwheel Galaxy - 050916:
15 six-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X768). 17 dark frames and Master Flat & Bias were used for calibration.
M104 Sombrero Galaxy - 050916:
15 six-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X766). 18 dark frames and Master Flat & Bias were used for calibration.
Same as above bot rotated and cropped:
Mercury Transit - 050916:
I forgot to bring my adapters for connecting my Canon DSLR camera directly to the telescope. So instead, I held my T5i camera with kit lens up to a borrowed eyepiece from a friend. The image below was taken at 11:03 am with these camera settings: ISO 100, f5.6, 1/250 second exposure at 55mm. The image was shot through my Short Tube 80 autoguide scope with a 60mm Coronado H-alpha solar filter.
May 7, 2016 - Work Bee - Youtube Video:
A work session was held at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park on May 7, 2016 to plant trees donated by the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Fund. The trees are for blocking vehicle headlights from the public program side of Cherry Springs shining onto the astronomy field. Thanks to all the volunteers that were able to help out and thanks to Maxine Harrison for the excellent lunch and refreshments.
DSLR Modification Service: I am selling and converting Canon 450D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 700D, 1000D, 1100D, 1200D & 6D DSLR cameras for astro imaging. CLICK HERE for details.
Images taken at the Chiefland Fall Star Party in November 2015 CLICK HERE
Images taken at the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in October 2015 CLICK HERE
Images taken at the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in September 2015 CLICK HERE
Images taken at the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in August 2015 CLICK HERE
Images taken at the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in July 2015 CLICK HERE
Images taken at the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in May & June 2015 CLICK HERE
Images taken at the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in April 2015 CLICK HERE
Images taken at the Chiefland Fall Star Party in November 2014 CLICK HERE
Image taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park on October 25, 2014 CLICK HERE
Images taken of Comet Jacques at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in August 2014 CLICK HERE
Image taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park on August 17, 2014 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in May 2014 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in April 2014 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in August 2013 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in May 2013 CLICK HERE
Images taken at the Fall Star Party at Chiefland, Florida in November 2012 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in August 2012 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in July 2012 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in June 2012 CLICK HERE
Detailed instructions for modifying a Canon 450D, 1000D, 1100D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 650D & 700D CLICK HERE
Considering a DSLR for astro imaging? Link to my DSLR Modification Service.
Detailed instructions for building a whole camera peltier cooling system CLICK HERE
Astro images with the modified 450D: CLICK HERE
My Astro YouTube videos: CLICK HERE