All my images were obtained using a Schmidt Cassegrain Catadioptric telescope. Emission and reflection nebula were taken using Astronomik CLS light pollution filters, and a 6.3 focal reducer, taken with an unmodified Canon 40D. The observatory, telescope, optics and cameras can be remotely controlled via computers from my home office if desired.
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Sunday, March 1, 2009
M-1 Crab Nebula - 6300 light years from Earth.
M-1 Nebula 12/5/2008 14x60sec Camera Canon 40D. M1 is the remnant of a star that exploded as a supernova which was observed in ancient times in 1054, by the Chinese.
I became interested in astronomy during the 1960 Apollo missions when I was a kid. Years later after the military, marriage and kids, life became busy and I basically put my astronomical interests on hold.
In 2008 with help from my wonderful wife and two great sons, we built an optical observatory. I started learning about digital imaging and processing raw digital data from extreme low light, deep space, astronomical objects.
The new digital imaging and DSLR technology is truly incredible. We designed the equatorial mounted telescope so it can be completely controlled via computers within the observatory or be remotely controlled from computers within the home. It's all mounted to a steel pier sunk into 1800 pounds of concrete for stability, when imaging.
I want to thank my wife for all the help and for her putting up with my interest.
Nothing lasts forever and neither will the star we call the sun. If mankind plans on surviving in the distant future, those plans should at least include attempts of crossing the stellar ocean in search of new worlds. Besides, I am confident we might very well find some interesting things along the way.
Best of luck to all.
