Open: Friday, 26 April 2019, 1810 MST Temperature: 98°F

Session: 1347 Conditions: Mostly clear

Equipment Used:
12" f/8 LX600 w/StarLock
2" 24mm UWA eyepiece

Camera:
D850 DSLR

After several days when the daytime outside air temperature was over 95°F I decided it was time to prepare the observatory air conditioner for its daily use. Opened the outside vent and set up the timer for automated operation.

I then relaxed on the observatory patio bench as sunset approached.

1904 MST: sunset.

I continued relaxing on the bench to watch the stars come out.

1933 MST: back inside the observatory. Prepared the D850 DSLR for later galaxy imaging for my Extragalactic Supernova Project.

1938 MST: LX600 ON, StarLock OFF, High Precision OFF.

I then did some more work with my new nightscope. I will post my review soon.

2015 MST: mounted the D850 DSLR at prime focus, focused on the star Procyon, and locked the 12" telescope mirror.

2020 MST: High Precision ON.

Slewed to the first target, NGC3359.

2030 MST: StarLock ON.

Unfortunately, for some reason the StarLock could not get a lock on a suitable guidestar. So my exposure time was limited. This is an unguided, 90 seconds exposure, ISO 6400, White Balance 5000K, image of NGC3359:

The StarLock did get a successful lock when imaging NGC3198 for this StarLock autoguided, 5 minutes, ISO 6400, WB 5000K, image:

I hope to get a longer exposure of NGC3359 on a future session.

2103 MST: StarLock OFF, High Precision OFF.

Removed camera. Viewed M104 (Sombrero Galaxy), 102X.

2111 MST: LX600 OFF.

Close: Friday, 26 April 2019, 2123 MST Temperature: 71°F

Session Length: 3h 13m Conditions: Clear

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