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M81 & 82 with an 8 inch SCT?

Started by rolandlinda3, 04/10/2011 06:01PM
Posted 04/10/2011 06:01PM | Edited 04/10/2011 06:04PM Opening Post
...only possible with Hyperstar. We recently added Hyperstar to a classic 8 inch f/10 SCT because we do lots of demonstrations where we need wider field but also sketch objects/star fields that require wider field. Small refractors are great, but they do not have the light gathering capacity. So we wanted our familiar C8 to get some adjustment to get wider field in addition to the traditional f/10 configuration.

The detail in the sketch is because the Hyperstar is mated with the MallinCAM Hyper Color Video Camera. We use the MCHC over half the time we observe to study objects, sketch them, and do demonstrations where a group of people need to see an object at the same time. The Hyperstar permits more flexibility by permitting us to go to f/2.

The next night we removed Hyperstar and used a more traditional setup with the camera on one part of a flip lens and an eyepiece on the other. The sketch from observing the next night (M82) is on our site along with the complete story and lesson if you care to look. Go to the Inspiration Page and see the top left summary and link under the title: "The Wonder of a Galaxy Pair". As you would have guessed, the traditional arrangement can only capture one of the galaxies since the field of view is narrower and magnification higher--even with a focal reducer on the video camera. www.christworksministries.org

All in all, a couple of fun nights. Hyperstar just expanded the possibilities while the MCHC, which we have used for awhile, gives us the detail commensurate with a much large scope. I never thought we would see the day when you could run from f/2 to f/10 with a SCT.

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rolandlinda3's attachment for post 53172

Roland Beard
site: www.christworksministries.org
blog: www.rolandlinda3.wordpress.com