Wiki: In astronomy, first light is the first use of a telescope (or, in general, a new instrument) to take an astronomical image after it has been constructed.
So, here we go, the first set of images taken with the Skywatcher EQM-35… Well, not really successful, but also a small first achievement.
Last night I equipped the Skywatcher mount for the first time with the Nikon D800 and the Nikkor 500f/4 and did a first photo session. My original target was the Andromeda galaxy, but somehow it seems I have not made the initial setting 100% correct. The galaxy is located near the top of the image, so the Goto seemed to have failed. Besides this, the decision to expose with 25 seconds at ISO 1600 was not good. The galaxy is pretty burnt out. Nevertheless, it can still be seen to some extent. However, I expected it to be bigger on the sensor, so I’m not even 100% sure if I caught it correctly at all.
Nikon D800 with Nikkor 500f/4 every single picture at 25 Seconds, f5.6 and 1600 ISO. A total of 78 Lights and 10 Darks –> Exposure 38 Minutes.
After it was clear that the Andromeda did not quite meet my expectations, I made a shorter exposure series of the Bode Nebula. The mount positioned much better there. Not too bad for a first session.
Nikon D800 with Nikkor 500f/4 every single picture at 30 Seconds, f5.6 and 3200 ISO. A total of 30 Lights –> Exposure 15 Minutes.
The picture clearly shows the three galaxies in this area.
Here is a 100% crop from the picture. OK, could be better, of course…
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