Any IL or midwesterners into stargazing?

[RiftsWRX]

I've been really meaning to get into astrophotography and general stargazing and I'm really impressed with the new Celestron NexStar SE series. Especially the 4" version. Even with the GPS module you're talking under $800 for everything you'd need to start with.

Fully motorized, star align system, direct camara port for an SLR, XLT coatings, GoTo computer, tripod, wedge... it's the turnkey package for someone looking to start.

Now, the big thing is, living in the chicagoland suburbs, light pollution is a huge thing.

The wife and I are super spontaneous folks and we've always loved the idea of just packing the minion up in the early evening and driving out to places to lay out a blanket, maybe setup a fire pit, and while the boy dozes off in the car seat we can be taking some shots, and doing some stargazing.

Question is, do people have any nice places they frequent? Most places like parks, etc are closed around dusk (unless you have permits, etc). But obviously, in our wonderful land, there are dozens of places that fit the bill. I'd love to hear some of yours!

Jorge (RiftsWRX)
www.ProjectWRX.com

[txduggan]

Well, you've touted every bell, bangle and whistle on that rig except for the most important one.......aperture......

If you're an astronomer, you'll know this phrase...and if you're not...learn it:

Aperture Rules

Period.....

That $800 you're looking at is primarily for the electronics in the mount drive system and NexStar GOTO system.

Plus, Google™ "resolving power telescopes"

You're going to have to spend close to equal parts on good (and reasonably sized) optics and a solid tracking platform.

4" really isn't going to cut it for astro-imaging other than really bright DSOs (Deep Space Objects...Magnitude 5 or better IMNSHO; the lower the number, the brighter the object)
and solar system objects.

Personally, I'd rethink the package and look into an 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain on a GEM (German Equatorial Mount). Much more stable and doesn't require a wedge.

While wedges will allow alt-az mounts (the single-arm fork) to track along celestial coordinates, you'll reach a point of diminishing returns where "field rotation" will set in...basically, not being able to accurately track equatorially and you'll start to see "star trails"

(hint #2: Google things in the quotations :) )

I've been out of the astro loop for a couple of years, but I never did like the single-fork mounts for imaging. Passable for observational astronomy, but wouldn't put all my cookies behind a single-arm fork.

If you must stay with the SE series, at _minium_ I'd go with the 6". More resolving "power" for imaging...meaning less time the shutter is open, meaning less time for any drive imperfections to introduce themselves into your exposure (hint: Google™ "periodic error")

But, I do have to stress the need for a GEM if you're going to get serious about astro-imaging.

GEMs are MADE to track along celestial coordinates, which is such an asset for imaging.

I could keep going on and on, but hopefully you're getting something out of this...

Oh, and BTW.....nix that campfire if you really want to stargaze/astro-image.....I don't care what you think you're seeing now...douse that fire, wait 20 or so minutes and behold! ;)

Sorry for the rant....I'm an ex-astro goober that really SUCKED at astro-imaging *gulp*

Oh, Part II....Google™ "urban astronomy".....

Tom D

[RiftsWRX]

Well, you've touted every bell, bangle and whistle on that rig except for the most important one.......aperture......

If you're an astronomer, you'll know this phrase...and if you're not...learn it:

Aperture Rules

Period.....

That $800 you're looking at is primarily for the electronics in the mount drive system and NexStar GOTO system.

Plus, Google™ "resolving power telescopes"

You're going to have to spend close to equal parts on good (and reasonably sized) optics and a solid tracking platform.

4" really isn't going to cut it for astro-imaging other than really bright DSOs (Deep Space Objects...Magnitude 5 or better IMNSHO; the lower the number, the brighter the object)
and solar system objects.

Personally, I'd rethink the package and look into an 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain on a GEM (German Equatorial Mount). Much more stable and doesn't require a wedge.

While wedges will allow alt-az mounts (the single-arm fork) to track along celestial coordinates, you'll reach a point of diminishing returns where "field rotation" will set in...basically, not being able to accurately track equatorially and you'll start to see "star trails"

(hint #2: Google things in the quotations :) )

I've been out of the astro loop for a couple of years, but I never did like the single-fork mounts for imaging. Passable for observational astronomy, but wouldn't put all my cookies behind a single-arm fork.

If you must stay with the SE series, at _minium_ I'd go with the 6". More resolving "power" for imaging...meaning less time the shutter is open, meaning less time for any drive imperfections to introduce themselves into your exposure (hint: Google™ "periodic error")

But, I do have to stress the need for a GEM if you're going to get serious about astro-imaging.

GEMs are MADE to track along celestial coordinates, which is such an asset for imaging.

I could keep going on and on, but hopefully you're getting something out of this...

Oh, and BTW.....nix that campfire if you really want to stargaze/astro-image.....I don't care what you think you're seeing now...douse that fire, wait 20 or so minutes and behold! ;)

Sorry for the rant....I'm an ex-astro goober that really SUCKED at astro-imaging *gulp*

Oh, Part II....Google™ "urban astronomy".....

Tom D

Yeah, appreciate that Tom. I've been expanding my horizon on options and have quickly realized a lot of what you've been mentioning. Obvious choices are a bit more budget dependant now. I'm currently doing tons of research on Meade's LX90/200, or the Celestron's CPC series telescopes. The upgraded mount being the biggest things, as well as the larger aperatures.

The study moves on.

Jorge (RiftsWRX)
www.ProjectWRX.com

[sin4jon]

If you are still interested call me at the number in my signature. I will be running the store soon! I've been there for over a year and a half. Been into astronomy hardcore for four years now. Talk to you soon. Thanks!