---

NEW ! (September 2006)

See my latest images, taken with the ETX and my new imager , an Orion Deep Space Imager over at

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/n_mukkavilli/

I have two collections-Messier Objects and Objects from the Caldwell List. I hope to keep adding to both collections from time to time so please check back once in a while to see what's new.

I hope you like these!

---

In 2004, I acquired a Meade  ETX 70AT, as my grab-and go scope.

After some visual observing, and learning to use the GoTo features, I decided to try and use the scope for imaging. For anyone not familiar with this telescope it is a short tube achromat-70 mm aperture f/5.

In June 2004,  after some research,  I purchased an Atik 1C , a modified -for- long exposure Phillips Tou Cam from Perseu in Portugal.

The majority of images on this site were acquired using the Atik and the ETX 70 in standard-(alt/az) mode.

The one modification I made to an out-of -the box ETX 70 was to throw away the Meade supplied tripod-which was far too rickety for any imaging-and replace it with a home made wooden tripod based on this design that has performed infinitely better. (pictured here)

Most of these images were acquired from my light polluted suburban Sydney backyard. Capture was with K3CCD, software that came with the Atik. Processing was with Registax (freeware), and Photoshop (absolutely indispensable for any astro image processing) and NeatImage (magic!) for noise control.

The inherent tracking limitations of the ETX meant that most individual images were only of 15 to 20 seconds, but a number of such individual images were usually combined for the final result. View my results by using the navigation bar on the left

Remember, these images are my efforts to really push the envelope with the smallest of telescopes. In some instances it has been an achievement to even capture the outlines of a faint object, let alone discern fine detail.

Sadly Meade has now discontinued production of the ETX 70, but for those us who have one, this little scope has the potential to continue to deliver years of enjoyment. Even though I have other scopes and imaging equipment, I still enjoy the fun-and challenge- of imaging with the ETX 70 ...though I'm sure I wouldn't mind having a  go with the ETX 80 and a DSI  !!

Comments? suggestions?questions? email me

Clear skies

Narayan M.

Contact me

You are visitor number

This site is a member of WebRing. To browse visit Here.