M35 & NGC 2158 (Nov. 28, 2011)

Here are two open clusters in the constellation Gemini.  M35 is the apparently larger, bluer cluster.  It is younger and is relatively close.  NGC 2158 is the apparently smaller, redder group.  It is much farther away and very much older.  Its stars have passed the blue stage and moved on to the older, redder stage.  There is also some dust between us and NGC 2158 that reddens the view.  The result is a nice contrast between the two clusters.

Telescope: Stellarvue 80ED NHNG (SV80ED) f/7 w/WO ff/fr 0.8 II (so effectively at f/5.6)
Camera and Exposure: SXVF-H9C, 10x8'
Filter: IDAS-LPS2
Guiding: Borg 50mm, Meade DSI Pro, PHD
Mount: Takahashi NJP
Software: Nebulosity, Maxim DL, Photoshop CS3
Location: The Woodlands, TX

SH2-261 (Nov. 3, 2011)

This nebula in Orion is also called Lower's Nebula.  Apparently Lower was a father-son team who recorded the nebula on photographic plates in 1939.  See here.  The two were accomplished amateur astronomers and innovative astrophotographers.

This is just the H-alpha data.  I'd like to gather other colors as well.  For now, though, it's interesting to see.  The Nebula covers an area larger than the apparent size of the full moon.

Telescope: Orion 120ST f/5 Achromat w/WO ff/fr 0.8 II (so effectively at f/4)
Camera & Exposure: Atik 16, 14x15'
Filter: Astronomik 12nm H-alpha
Guiding: Borg 50mm, Meade DSI Pro, PHD
Mount: Takahashi NJP
Software: Nebulosity, Maxim DL, Photoshop CS3
Location: The Woodlands, TX

IC 1795 (Nov. 3, 2011)

This striking cloud of hydrogen lies in the eastern part of the constellation Cassiopeia and is part of a much larger nebula also known as IC 1805 or the Heart Nebula. This image is primarily glowing hydrogen and perhaps nitrogen.  It was taken through a filter that records only those wavelengths.  I hope to back for the glowing oxygen next week.

Telescope: Orion 120ST f/5 Achromat w/WO ff/fr 0.8 II (so effectively at f/4)
Camera & Exposure: Atik 16, 14x15'
Filter: Astronomik 12nm H-alpha
Guiding: Borg 50mm, Meade DSI Pro, PHD
Mount: Takahashi NJP
Software: Nebulosity, Maxim DL, Photoshop CS3
Location: The Woodlands, TX