Globular Clusters
By NoMoreCloudyNights on Wednesday, 24 June 2020
Posted in General Chit Chat
Replies 7
Likes 0
Views 265
Votes 0
I'm looking for recommendations on the most suitable scope setup for imaging globular clusters. Way back in the day before moving to a short focal length refractor I owned a SCT, mainly used for visual purposes. I did on occasions use it to image those clusters and some lesser sized galaxies. Was quite pleased with some of the results, but they suffered from the usual guiding problems associated with a longer focal length scope and less than cooperative mount. Not owning an OAG at that time I'm sure added to the problem by adding in some flexure as well.  Given what we have available I'm sure that it would be possible to have another try at some of the larger clusters. I would favour a refractor but they may not have quite the focal length. Any recommendations regarding alternatives from the catadioptric systems available.  Cheers fellow imagers,  Ray 
Hi Ray One of the longer focal length scopes but dont use super long subs as you will burn the glob core out Cheers Steve
Asatron
·
3 years ago
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Thanks Steve,  I've been working off of a list, I'd written down of the currently available scopes, when matching to an object so had completely forgotten about the TMB scope! That's the obvious choice for me, with a focal length of 1216mm.  No pressure!  Cheers,  Ray 
NoMoreCloudyNights
·
3 years ago
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hi Ray, I concur that the TMB is the best for globular clusters. It's got an outstanding pixel scale of 0.93 arcsec per pixel which is ideal for good seeing (1-2" FWHM) however under exceptional seeing (0.5-1.0" FWHM) it is slightly undersampling. I don't know about your home observatory but I regularly have poor seeing (4-5" FWHM). I have a quick 2-hour job for the TMB. Have you placed any orders for the TMB yet? Thanks, Brian
oopfan
·
3 years ago
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hi Brian,  I'll be very interested as to what you decide to image, but can patiently wait for you to post the image. I will be making a booking very soon but the first one may not be a cluster. Haven't decided yet. Keep safe,  Ray 
NoMoreCloudyNights
·
3 years ago
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hi Brian,  Just read, not necessarily fully understood, your next project. Going to have to find out a bit more about it now. It's great to find out about these less well known, to me anyway, facts.  The seeing where I am is generally not good, maybe 3-4. I did stop doing any deep space photography about a year and a half ago, sold a lot of equipment of which some of the proceeds I am using here. Occasionally I will do a bit of wide field astro using a regular (not astro modified) camera. Disappointed by the recent comet, the one night is was clear of clouds, they moved in just as it was approaching astronomical twilight. Only about now where I am in the UK is astronomical darkness returning. Another good reason for using this site down in Spain!  Cheers,  Ray 
NoMoreCloudyNights
·
3 years ago
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Pier 9 at this moment in time has a focuser glitch. I am posting a new focuser over later this week so it will be back up and running the end of nxt week HTH
Asatron
·
3 years ago
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Thanks, Steve, I'll make a note of it. Brian
oopfan
·
3 years ago
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
View Full Post