Guiding : Preparation

I'm starting a new chapter in astrophotography : guiding. The intention is making sharper pictures and pictures with longer exposures.

As a first step I will be experimenting with my TLAPO 80/480 f/6 and I will use my ZWO ASI 224MC as guiding camera.  

My preparation in a nutshel :

    Hardware : 

                - an USB-hub 3.0 with 4 ports to connect both cameras and mount

                - mini(guiding) scope ZWO 30f/4

    Software:

Some interesting information I used to start :

- Setting up a Skywatcher mount with ASCOM platform and EQMOD

- Beginners guide to setting up and using ASCOM to control your astrophotography gear - Part 1&2

A whole day Halos

High clouds and ice chrystals are responsable for halos around the Sun. Yesterday halos could be observed the entire day.

MAI-SSTV Scheduled for January 28 & 29 2021

Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) will be operating SSTV for a few passes that overfly Moscow on Jan 28 and 29. Using Heavens-Above, the ISS will be crossing western europe aswell. It is anticipated this will be the recent used PD-120 mode and will be on the 145.800 MHz.


Planned schedule as follows:

Jan 28 - start at 12:10 UT untill 17:15 UT

Jan 29 - start at 13:10 UT untill 18:05 UT

See also this blog link

My first Halo this New Year

The Sun low above the south-eastern horizon with a faint halo, my first one in this New Year.

Rare Ice Spike or staligmite of ice

For the second time (first time February 19, 2013) I was able to spot the rare Ice Spike and this in my own garden. Temperatures dropped below freezing point (-2.5°C) and this created a Ice Spike. 

Ice Spikes can only formed when all circumstances are perfect. Circumstances are influenced by the purity of the water, amount of water, shape of the "container", surrounding temperature, temperature gradient and probably the air circulation and humitidy of the surrounding area.

Jupiter-Saturn Close Approach December 2020

I'm looking back at the close approach of Jupiter with Saturn. The closest approach or conjuntion took place at december 21st 2020, but due to bad weather nothing could be seen. However the days before and the days after I was able to make some pictures. An overview is presented.

Happy New Astromical Year 2021