Mars

23:53 22/9/2005 UTC

This time I went out late to image Mars higher than previously. My telescope wasn't cooled down while I took this image. I intended to take one shot and transfer it out from my laptop while my telescope cools. Unfortunately clouds rolled in during the transfer. Just before clouds came, I took a peek at the eyepiece and saw a superb seeing for a short while. Too bad I couldn't image then. Seeing was good to mediocre during this capture. I also had time to try extension tube between the camera and Powermate. Seemed I could reach focus with that configuration, so next time I am going to boost the image scale even further.

Camera: Phillips ToUCam Pro II webcam | Telescope: Orion Optics Europa 200mm f6 Newtonian reflector, Televue Powermate 5x | Mount: Orion Skyview Pro, Boxdoerfer PowerFlex MTS-3SLP drive controller | Filters: Baader IR/UV block, Baader IR pass filter | Guiding: - | Exposure: 500(1500) RGB + 500(1500) IR x 1/5s f30 | Software: Qastrocam, Registax, GIMP | Location: 60°31'N 26°52'E (Koivula/Kotka,FI) |