M42 (The Great Orion Nebulae)

Another stargazing/Astrophotography session spoiled by the clouds . Appart from the clouds rolling in, I forgot to balance my scope on my mount, and also tighten one of my tripod legs which eventually slipped a little.
Because of these hiccups, I was unable to get more than 45 second exposures without star trails.
Here is a 45sec exposure of M42 (orion nebulae) taken with my 40d @ prime focus on my Skywatcher ED80 refractor. ISO 800

superb what were you settings

WOW! I love your Astrophotography shots

Another great capture

Absolutley gorgeous, I really envy your skill there Dejavu, astrophotography is a tough discipline.

Great shot - were you cold?

Is there an M25 as well? I'm guessing if so - it'll be a lot 'busier' than the M42?

You say the most you could get was a 45 sec exposure - what's the normal length you go for? 2 mins? more?

I'm also guessing you are on a remote countryside mountain when you take these shots? very little light pollution?

It's a great shot DJ!

Yet another great astrophotograph!!!! lol

Stunning, absolutely breathtaking

WOW that is amazing!! would love to see more....

Hi jols, the 40d was in manual mode (bulb setting) and the exposure was 45sec @ ISO 800, focusing is adjusted via the telescope and zoomed 10x on the 40d's live view for precise focus. The telescope (skywatcher 80ED) has a 600mm focal length and a fixed aperture of f7.5

Thanks GH

Thanks stewie, yes, you certainly need a lot of patience

Thanks Chris. Yes, there is an M25 there are 103 "M" (Messier) deep sky objects, from M1 to M103 as well. A famous French astronomer (Charles Messier) who catalogued lots of these nebulae and star clusters, in the 1700's.

No, I was in my back garden when I took this shot . There is some light polution here, and I dont have a clear view in all directions either (telephone lines, houses etc). I prefer to go to my flying club for astrophotography/stargazing where the sky is a little darker and nothing to block my views of the sky. I have gone there a few times only to head back after setting up when the clouds rolled in

No, I have thermal clothing.

Depends on the focal length of the scope I'm using, and how good my polar alignment is. For this shot I was hoping for around 2mins or more. I've had five minutes unguided exposures using my canon 70-200mm L @ 118mm.


Thanks Azz

Thanks samnooshka

Thanks Melody

Thanks eileen