Big Jupiter

I have the new scope running very well now. The mirrors are collimated (aligned) pretty well now, the mirror still cools off really slowly but I installed some computer fans and I've figured out how to use them to best blow the tube currents out of the way while imaging. I also took a nice focuser off another scope and put it on the new one as an upgrade, added a motorized filter wheel, and am using an extension tube to squeeze out some more magnification. This pic is Jupiter & Co from Friday morning, taken in average conditions with clouds moving in and out of the area. Click on if for the full version!

Jupiter Remix

I reprocessed the last Jupiter image to reduce the noise a bit and to clean up the blue fringe on the right limb, here's the new version.

More Skunks

Here is Jupiter from this morning. I am starting to get the new scope dialed in. Click on the pic for the full version.

A skunk kit got into the garage while I was taking pictures, luckily I was able to convince him to leave peacefully.

Saw a Few Skunks Last Night

Continuing to work on the new scope. Saturn is getting really low in the sky and it's getting hard to get a clear view.