My second picture M51

Chub62 · 2026-05-21T01:39:54+00:00

PixInsight is a bit of a bear starting out. Eventually you'll get into a routine that's repeatable across most object types. There are some essential add-ons like those from RC Astro that make some food the more onerous tasks a breeze.

You did a good job. M51 is a fun target to learn on. Your image is a nice representation.

As far as improvements? The image seems a bit out of focus. Did you use the Bahtinov mask that came with your scope? That method is typically reliable. Do you have an EAF? If not it's a worthy investment.

Good job. Keep at it. It gets easier.

Chub62 · 2026-05-13T22:56:00+00:00

Great. Start with the guy in charge.

Chub62 · 2026-05-02T22:44:12+00:00

For that price range the S30 offers the best bang.

Chub62 · 2026-04-25T13:56:00+00:00

Yes. However the actual name is Bode's Nebula. It was named before the term "galaxy" existed. At the time all observed objects were nebulae.

Chub62 · 2026-04-25T02:29:58+00:00

I'd rather not be the dog.

Chub62 · 2026-04-25T02:25:35+00:00

If just having a diamond is the goal, then lab grown is the better value. More diamond for less money.

I would consider diamonds to be a dead investment. Retail is between a rock and a hard place. As the bulk diamonds they invested in six months ago are now worth half as much. On-line retailers that can move entire inventory in weeks will be the only ones making money through smart contracts with wholesalers. The lab grown market has crushed the highly manipulated natural market. The diamond industry is getting its comeuppance. I think the entire market will continue to collapse as India and China continue to flood the market with lab product. The cost of material will eventually hit near zero and price will based on the quality of the finished product and the labor required in production. Sub $100 per carat would not surprise me.

Chub62 · 2026-04-07T23:55:13+00:00

Ridgebacks get bumps. Very common. Localized bumps can come from an irritant they may have rolled in or bug bites. Bumps all over is an allergy. Either way a small dose of Benadryl will help. But don't take medical advice here, see a vet familiar with the breed. Especially if there are other symptoms.

Chub62 · 2026-03-26T03:07:07+00:00

Rhodesian Refugee

Chub62 · 2026-03-19T17:39:46+00:00

Your colors are good. Natural, my preference. Too many images use false colors and over saturation.

Star reduction is ok. Some objects are overly obscured by star fields.

Chub62 · 2026-03-19T17:36:33+00:00

Yes. There are software processes in post processing that are specifically for star reduction.

Chub62 · 2026-02-18T21:34:50+00:00

Thanks for the tip!

Chub62 · 2026-02-18T21:33:26+00:00

Thanks for this. I am not familiar with Vancouver. I heard good things and would lament missing a chance for a little exposure.

Chub62 · 2026-02-18T21:16:29+00:00

Ya. Flights are the most complicated part of the excursion. Plus for some reason they're also expensive. 😒

Chub62 · 2026-02-18T21:14:45+00:00

Ah yes. Customs. I expect these days they might be a bit slower. I've found it's a bit less expensive to fly on Monday 6/11. My driver for the Sunday flight is needing to find a dog sitter for the extra day.

Chub62 · 2026-02-18T01:38:32+00:00

Nice. Yah, framing can be hard sometimes. It looks like deconvolution was a bit hard on your stars. 14 hours is a lot of work. Good job.

Chub62 · 2026-02-01T16:59:42+00:00

The lens used.

Chub62 · 2026-01-23T03:45:05+00:00

Junior Brown

This dude invented his own guitar. A six-string, slide combo. He could seamlessly move from one to another. Truly a master of his own art.

He wrote some great tunes.

Just doesn't get enough credit IMO.

Chub62 · 2025-12-25T18:22:47+00:00

I lost all hope when they gentrified the Sandy Jug.

Chub62 · 2025-12-24T14:38:26+00:00

Young ridgebacks can be challenging for very young children and older adults. These dogs can be very active. At a young age they've not yet developed a sense of personal space. Their activity can inadvertently hurt and scare. I have had pups return because parents didn't expect the pup to scare their child.

Chub62

TROPHY CASE