Recurrent Nova U Scorpii
Recurrent Nova U Scorpii
Viewing U Scorpii is a WatzUp Challenge at many levels.
The first of which is simply getting registered with AAVSO to do Web Obs entries. I submitted my registration earlier this evening and await approval.
Just about all CCD photometric work is done thru UBVRI filters. These aren't cheap, and as such they really rate their own filter wheel, which makes them even less cheap. Maybe I'll just order a V for the time being, just to standardize things a bit. I can stick it in the 5th position of my existing filter wheel.
The wind is howling out there tonight, but it's still in the high 50s, so I went out and ran a set of binned and unbinned flats with the f/6.3 setup on the 14". Scorpius is still down. And guess which constellation the full moon adorns tonight? Right! Strike 1
Well, even with the wind I can probably get an improved M66 high resolution luminance image to replace the one that seemed to blow out on me in April. Dew point is down to about 3°C so I cool the camera to 10°C and take some one-minute darks. Upon completion of the darks I get run the first image and the whole thing is blown due to what I think is condensate.
It only seems to happen when I've used the Outback Cooler. The camera isn't vacuum sealed and apparently it still has a higher humidity content inside from the last 2 weeks of rain. Strike 2
It's now approaching midnight so I'm going to wind this up. I'm still out - currently chasing dwarf planet Huya. Took a while to find it but I think I've captured it. Separate report to follow.
And by gum, Scorpius is rising!
Pete
The first of which is simply getting registered with AAVSO to do Web Obs entries. I submitted my registration earlier this evening and await approval.
Just about all CCD photometric work is done thru UBVRI filters. These aren't cheap, and as such they really rate their own filter wheel, which makes them even less cheap. Maybe I'll just order a V for the time being, just to standardize things a bit. I can stick it in the 5th position of my existing filter wheel.
The wind is howling out there tonight, but it's still in the high 50s, so I went out and ran a set of binned and unbinned flats with the f/6.3 setup on the 14". Scorpius is still down. And guess which constellation the full moon adorns tonight? Right! Strike 1
Well, even with the wind I can probably get an improved M66 high resolution luminance image to replace the one that seemed to blow out on me in April. Dew point is down to about 3°C so I cool the camera to 10°C and take some one-minute darks. Upon completion of the darks I get run the first image and the whole thing is blown due to what I think is condensate.
It only seems to happen when I've used the Outback Cooler. The camera isn't vacuum sealed and apparently it still has a higher humidity content inside from the last 2 weeks of rain. Strike 2
It's now approaching midnight so I'm going to wind this up. I'm still out - currently chasing dwarf planet Huya. Took a while to find it but I think I've captured it. Separate report to follow.
And by gum, Scorpius is rising!
Pete
Pete P.
Recurrent Nova U Scorpii happening NOW!
Hey guys! FINALLY! It should be visible in early morning...
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/01/28 ... has-begun/
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/01/28 ... has-begun/
Galactus, Devourer of Worlds
AKA, George H
8" Meade LX90
66mm AT Guide Scope, cameras, etc.
25X100 Zhumell Binos w/Pete's Pipes
Bolt of Light Technologies Laser
Friends to observe with=Priceless
AKA, George H
8" Meade LX90
66mm AT Guide Scope, cameras, etc.
25X100 Zhumell Binos w/Pete's Pipes
Bolt of Light Technologies Laser
Friends to observe with=Priceless
- Dark Helmet
- 15+ Years Member
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- Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2003 12:57 pm
Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii
AND SNOWY
Matt
Matt
Matt P.
WHAT? You went over my helmet?.....Ludicrous speed, go!
WHAT? You went over my helmet?.....Ludicrous speed, go!
Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii
Typical, of our weather. We miss so many good things up there due to clouds.
Clear skies,
Mark
iOptron CEM25P w/ Tri-pier
CGEM DX
LXD750 w/ CDS #1697
LXD75 w/ #497 autostar Hypertuned
Antares 8" f/5 Newt
Antares 4" f/15 "Vixen Spec" long focus refractor
Orion 4" f/7 ED refractor
Astro-Tech 65mm Quad APO
and so much more
Mark
iOptron CEM25P w/ Tri-pier
CGEM DX
LXD750 w/ CDS #1697
LXD75 w/ #497 autostar Hypertuned
Antares 8" f/5 Newt
Antares 4" f/15 "Vixen Spec" long focus refractor
Orion 4" f/7 ED refractor
Astro-Tech 65mm Quad APO
and so much more
Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii
Yes indeed Brian, we closed Wednesday. We are very excited, and I hope to be sending observing invites in a week or so
Bruce D
Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii
Congratulations!!! I'm very happy for you. You've been working on this for a while. I would love to come take a look at it. I'll be watching for the invites.
- BrianT
Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii
Thanks Brian, moving will be a long drawnout process but I haven't been there myself on a clear moonless night so I'm anxious to check out the skies and will enjoy some company.
Bruce D