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Pleiades M 45 with the Pleiades 68

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Odd Star shapes - what causes this?

Started by GIsrael, 07/08/2006 10:14PM
Posted 07/08/2006 10:14PM | Edited 07/08/2006 10:59PM Opening Post
I am not sure how to diagnose this problem - I am using a Canon 20Da and 300MM f4 IS lens on a Kenko Sky Memo.

I am getting odd shaped stars with this combination - almost looks like a scope out of collimation. I don't think it is a tracking problem- but does it look like flexure, atmospheric problems (weather has been pretty bad lately), the lens itself? I think I have good polar alignment and it doesn't look like tracking problems I have seen before.

This is a 2 minute exposure.

BTW - I don't mean the diffraction spikes on the large star, I mean the slight "ghost" images or reflections on the other small stars...

Thanks in advance!

Attached Image:

GIsrael's attachment for post 32379
Posted 07/09/2006 01:15AM #1
Hello Gary, do you have a filter in front of your lens (e.g. UV filter)? If so, try again without it! That is quite a common cause.
Good luck,
Ivan