M101 Pinwheel Galaxy, 3rd Version

In this version I equalized the exposure of RGB channels and used some techniques from processing M31, so the colour and details are better. However, the signal-noise ratio is low due to short total exposure. With PixInsight LE, I am afraid that is the most I can get out of the raw data. I really should get my luminance filter when I go back to China. It is very important for capturing details, and cannot be replaced by red filter (at least not when photographing galaxies).

Equipment
Imaging telescope: SharpStar 65Q
Imaging camera: QHY22
Mount: SkyWatcher HEQ5
Guiding telescope: QHY miniGuideScope
Guiding camera: QHY5L-II-M
Filter: Optolong 1.25" R, G, B
Accessories: QHYCFW2-S, QHY PoleMaster

Acquisition
R: 22*300s, -12C, bin1
G: 8*300s, -12C, bin1
B: 8*300s, -12C, bin1

Location:
Home observatory, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Sky Rover Frictional Tripod Head

A new gear in my observing equipment! With fine workmanship and beautifully coloured coating, this tripod head has a recommended pay load capacity of 5kg (max 10kg). It costs 780CNY, approximately 122USD. Using the included dovetail saddle, it can support many small telescopes, including my SharpStar 65Q. The knob on the left and the upper segment at the bottom are used to tighten rotation. It functions flawlessly with 8x42 binoculars, but feels slightly rough working with a 65mm refractor or a 90mm Mak (Celestron C90). For usage with counterweight, see later posts.

[Archived on 2018-05-28]

New Set

Assembled my first apochromatic refactor set for imaging/observing. My first telescope is a Celestron 70AZ (70mm, f10), an achromat telescope with a shaky tripod. I was not satisfied with it, so after about 3 years I bought a Celestron C90 Maxsutov OTA (90mm, f14). It was an improvement, but still its function was limited to planetary observation. After another 3 years, I learned that apochromatic telescopes are more mobile, easy to use, able to produce sharper image, and also great for photography, I decided I should get one. However, I was not a member of any astronomy associations or forums, so I didn't have much resources and, from a current perspective, made some mistakes when choosing my equipment.

Here are a list of objects in the photo with reflections. Blue means the object has served my purpose well. 

SharpStar 65Q ED: still using it. 

Sky Rover 50-210 guider scope: of high quality, but a bit heavy. Later traded it for a smaller scope. 

QHY5L-II-M: still using it.
T7C planetary/guiding camera: just another version of QHY5L-II-C. I was going to use it for deep sky imaging, which is really immature; although it might work with large telescope and short exposures. 

Plano 8mm and 3.5mm eyepieces: with 68-degree FOV, they provide high quality image, but are a bit heavy. The focal lengths are too short for my telescope, which is better for observing DSO than solar system objects. 

Celestron PL32 eyepiece: so-so in terms of quality; FOV is too narrow. 

Explore Scientific and TeleVue focal extender: of high quality, but my telescope's aperture is too small to use them for planetary imaging. 

Sky Rover 2" star diagonal: high quality, but no more useful for my set than a lighter, 1.25" one
Optolong 2" UHC-E filter: strongly recommended for observing deep sky objects! Really brings up the contrast of nebulae.

[Archived on 2018-05-28]

First Date with Jupiter

I was reading a book well past midnight when I accidentally looked out my window and saw a very bright star outside. I didn't have many observing experiences at that time, so even the idea of looking at a regular star interested me. So, I carried my telescope (70AZ) downstair, set it up, and, with some effort, finally found the "star" - it was Jupiter! I recognized it immediately by its iconic stripes. I was also surprised that my telescope could resolve the Galilean moons. The photo is taken with my cell phone behind the eyepiece.

[Archived on 2018-05-28]

Earliest Astro Photo

This is the earliest astronomy-related photo that I can find. I remember I had found out the pathway to the roof of my apartment. It has a perfect view for astronomical observations: there is no tall building around to block my view. I stayed there with my first telescope, Celestron 70AZ, from afternoon till late at night, and took these pictures with my cell phone.

[Archived on 2018-05-28]