Lunar Shot

[nighthound]

This was taken in prime focus with a 10" SC telescope and the Canon 20D.

Camera model: Canon EOS 20D
Flash used: No
CCD width: 5.20mm
Exposure time: 0.0020 s (1/500)
ISO equiv.: 200
Whitebalance: Auto
Exposure: Manual

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Astrophotography/Lunar%20Photography/mn1x.jpg

NH

[Keith]

Can you try and get a little closer next time, LMAO!!!! nicely done!

[Jonathan]

Super moon shot! I love the detail..something I rarely see in moon shots

[David Cramer]

Detail and sharpness is great. I also like the depth the shadow provides.

[JaredB]

Wonderful image Steve.

Idaho has a state park called Bruneau Dunes State Park, which is famour for two things - the tallest sand dune in North America and an observatory. They have a very large telescope there that you have to use a ladder to get to the eyepiece on. Although I think that times my son is more intrigued by the building that spins on its foundation! :)

This is where my son and I got hooked on star-gazing. Your image of the moon here reminded me of how the moon looked the last time we were at the observatory.

[MGlennn]

Great detail.....incredible shot....:D

[Robert]

Gosh...this moon is wonderful!! Fabulous detail and contrast!

[nighthound]

Somehow this one got away from me. My apologies.

Thanks very much everyone for taking the time to look and comment.

NH

[Ron D]

Love your moon shots and all your star shots as well.


A 10" SC telescope...... is that a cheaper version or the price of a good lens (2000) or ???? if you don't mind me asking.

My son Loves to look at the stars and I am thinking of getting a telescope....

[Roger]

makes me want to buy one, how much is a SC telescope?

I want to find a telescope I can afford and try something like this.

[nighthound]

Love your moon shots and all your star shots as well.


A 10" SC telescope...... is that a cheaper version or the price of a good lens (2000) or ???? if you don't mind me asking.

My son Loves to look at the stars and I am thinking of getting a telescope....

Ron, a 10" SCT optical tube alone will run about $1200-$1400. A mount for it can vary depending if you want the computer driven type(GoTo capability) or one that is manually operated. It really depends how much you plan to use it, if you plan to use it for imaging as well, etc. You could pick up a good used 10" SCT with Goto at Astromart(online) for around 2K. I sold my 10" LX200 (forkmount) there this spring.

Not knowing how dark your skies are, how you plan to use it, if you will be traveling with it to darker sites occasionally or how much weight you're comfortable carrying, it's hard to narrow down some good suggestions. I recommend one with tracking/Goto if you plan to view long periods especially with a child. Re centering the object constantly is a hassle and can cause a child(or yourself) to loose interest quickly. Tracking/Goto allows you to sit and really get a good look at objects and it allows you to see many objects in a short period of time becuse it goes to the objects and you don't have to spend the time locating them. Some don't like goto because they say you'll never learn the night sky that way(I don't agree), but many people have limited time to view so some help locating objects is very covenient. When showing others around the sky, especially kids, the Goto keeps things more fast moving and exciting. Plus it's just cool to see the scope work.:-)

Let me know if I can help with anything in the decision making process or down the line when you're set up to tour the universe.

NH

[nighthound]

makes me want to buy one, how much is a SC telescope?

I want to find a telescope I can afford and try something like this.

Roger, if you could give a rough budget I will be glad to make some suggestions. Also, what objects are intersted in shooting, Moon, planets, deep sky objects? I suggest starting with the Moon and the brightest objects. The learning curve for shooting dim, deep-sky objects is long and can get expensive, so it's good to start with the Moon and brighter objects to see if you will aspire to go further with the hobby. I started that way and got hooked, so watch out. :-) I'm glad I did though, it's been a blast.

NH