Rosette Nebula

18:01 17/3/2006 UTC

This is the first real imaging attempt using my modified EOS 350D. It was a nice clear moonless evening and temperature was just below zero. Everything worked like charm, but I screwed up the focus which spoiled the edges of the frame and I had to crop it. I can't believe I actually forgot to fine tune the focus! I had clear step by step plan including fine tuning using the corners of the field after coarse focusing to Betelgeuze. Guiding was fantastic (considering the cheapish mount). I solved one distracting declination friction problem by simply unbalancing it. Anyway I am very pleased with result and performance of the modified camera. I have to try this one again and remember to focus carefully.

NGC/IC Object List:
NGC2244 open cluster RA:06h31m55.5 Dec:+04°56m'35" BMag: 4.8, NGC 2239
NGC2237 gaseous nebula RA:06h30m54.6 Dec:+05°02m'52" BMag: ,
NGC2238 gaseous nebula RA:06h30m40.3 Dec:+05°00m'47" BMag: 6.0, LBN 948 Rosette Nebula
NGC2239 open cluster RA:06h31m55.5 Dec:+04°56m'35" BMag: 4.8, NGC 2244

Camera: Modified Canon EOS 350D | Telescope: William Optics Zenithstar 66mm f6 petzval refractor | Mount: Orion Skyview Pro, Boxdoerfer PowerFlex MTS-3SLP drive controller | Filters: Baader UHC-S 2", Baader Fringe Killer | Guiding: Orion ShortTube 80mm f5 refractor, QCGuider, Phillips ToUCam Pro II webcam | Exposure: 18 x 360s (1h48m) f6 ISO800, 5 darks, 7 flats | Software: IRIS, GIMP | Location: 60°31'N 26°52'E (Koivula/Kotka,FI) | Seeing: II | Transparency: 2 | Image Field: 2.24 x 1.68 degrees | Image Center: Ra 06h32m05s Dec +04°53'27" | Target altitude in the beginning of the exposure 33°