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[scottmason]

Hi there,
I'm getting very into astrophotography, and soon will purchase a Celestron NexStar to mount to an old Meade 2045 scope. It's been sitting in my father's garage for 10 years, and I'm worried there will be dust or other issues with it. I also might need help aligning. Is there anyone in the area (city) that might be able to help with either of these? If it needs maintenance, I will pay.

Here are some shots I've done with my Nikon d90, a tripod and a few different (50mm and 70-300mm) lenses. Most in this set were shot at Glacial Park in McHenry IL. Highly suggested, it was an hour and a half drive and the skies were fairly dark above but light pollution was glaring from nearby towns.

www.flickr.com/photos/93515081@N00/sets/72157629584639729/

[tomlee]

small M42 but I like it.

[atomant]

Hi Scott,

I think the Meade 2045 is a 4in SCT f/10.

You might want to touch base with Joe for cleaning pointers.
He brought life back to a Celestron C11 SCT that sat in a closet at Adler.

Is the Celestron NexStar the alt-az goto mount?
You might want to consider getting a german equatorial mount instead for critical long focal length astrophotography.

Tell us more about observing from Glacial Park.
How are the authorities/ security?
Looks like a good dark site in "Orange zone"

Hope you can join us at our observing sessions.

[scottmason]

It looks like the Celestron I just mentioned was altazimouth-doh! From my research, it sounds like I'll need a nice equatorial mount for good shots..Expensive, but well worth it. Joe and I are discussing that at the moment.

We ran into the Park Police who was very polite and patient with me and my girlfriend, who were clearly just out in the parking lot (un-lit) to take photos. Why they didn't have that parking lot gated off and the rest of the park gated is beyond me. We got written warnings and our names written down so that if we're out there again without a permit, we would be fined. Fair enough warning.
Other parks I've looked into in Highland Park area only offer permits after dark for large groups. Not sure if that's the case for Glacier park. There was strong light pollution off in the distance east and north but the sky overhead was very dark.
Perhaps once I get my scope and mount all set up, we can organize a star party out there at Glacier park? I actually went out there with the intent of shooting the aurora which I had seen someone post photos of from that area. I was pleased with the sky, even though we saw no such thing.

[atomant]

Yep, need to befriend the authorities.

Next time, you're out there, check out the number of stars you can make of the Little Dipper.
At Adler, we're lucky to see 3.

[Paulie pchris00]

Mar 20, 2012 22:33:40 GMT -6 atomant said:

Next time, you're out there, check out the number of stars you can make of the Little Dipper.
At Adler, we're lucky to see 3.

I think you're overestimating by two.

[erikruud]

I could see three yesterday, even though it was a bit hazy. I don't think I have ever been able to see all of them from my house. I will have to see what it looks like at the end of June when it is close to it's highest point.