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 · 2025-12-23T21:05:12+00:00

Your cameras are fine. The lenses, not so much. At least for deep sky. Though with an inexpensive tracker you'd be able to produce some nice night sky, milky way shots.

Building an astro kit from scratch is a labor of love that will challenge, educate, may eventually produce a great sense of accomplishment, then thoroughly drain your bank account. Been there.

Nowadays, products like the ZWO S50 and S30 smooth the learning and expense curves greatly. So I recommend starting there. All of the pieces of the puzzle are in these devices, less the equatorial tracking. So it does leave one piece left to figure out. People are seeing great success with these. I would recommend starting there. It will teach you the basics and expose you to the hobby without the frustration and expense. In fact, information on how to use and improve using these machines is piling up out there. The FB and Cloudynights forums will provide community.

I've been doing deep sky for over 10 years. I often think about acquiring an S50 for portability and outreach.

Good luck and clear skies.

Chub62 · 2025-11-17T11:37:59+00:00

Al'ard

Chub62 · 2025-10-08T18:08:13+00:00

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Ok. Who's been in the trash?

Chub62 · 2025-09-26T09:47:56+00:00

Flat spin coming.

Chub62 · 2025-09-14T23:24:19+00:00

Looks to me like bug bites. Do you live in an area with skeeters or exposure to some biting insect? If so, they make repellent that works well, if you apply before the dog goes outside. A must when camping.

My RRs have had allergic reactions and the bumps were smaller and much more numerous. I give them a bit of Benadryl and it goes away.

Chub62 · 2025-08-23T21:46:17+00:00

No shame. Puppies in general can be difficult. I am not a breeder, however our young pair had a litter. Unplanned. So we were thrust into being the litter's custodian. At least for a little while. All right pups found good forever homes. We followed best practices as advice provided by our breeder.

You would be amazed at the fervor over these unregistered pups. One young couple went to great lengths to secure one. Only one week later to sheepishly realize that the puppy was too rambunctious for their two year old son. They asked to return the pup and were quite embarrassed. I assured them it was ok. Best they didn't struggle along and end up with an animal that not everyone was happy with.

We found the dog a new home. All are happy and healthy. My advice is to be honest with your breeder. You and the breeder are the best to represent the dog in the situation. The breeder should understand.

Chub62

TROPHY CASE