Messier Marathon 2020

[BlackWikkett]

My second attempt at a Messier Marathon did not go as well as last year. Only able to capture 42 objects as apposed to last year when I was able to capture 79. I'll never be able to capture the full 110 objects in one night at my home observing location but it's fun to try to get what you can. Limiting factor is local horizon and not having a permanent mount but one that needs to be setup, aligned and calibrated each night. Forecast was for clear cloud free night until about 630 AM. Clouds rolled in about 230 AM and never cleared.

SharpCap 3.2.6269 64 bit
Live Stack No Edit, 30 sec exp, 300 gain, 10 brightness with master flat and dark. 10 stacked total 5 min each object
RC6 f/6.7 1027 FL IDAS D1
ZWO ASI294MC Pro cooler at -10c
No Guiding

Messier Marathon 2020 by Black Wikkett, on Flickr

Link to album with individual images https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMdJymW

-Chris

[nexusjeep]

Chris,
Nice shots especially considering the short exposure times for each, clouds should be banned as they really make the hobby awkward. I really should do more of the messier objects but am not really a fan of the globular clusters as they are not that large in the view from my telescope although I could always do a severe crop I suppose.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers
Nick

[turfpit]

Well done Chris. You will have to have been well organised to capture all those. What tools do you use to plan a session like that?

Dave

[BlackWikkett]

Thanks for your kind words!

Mainly use this site for planing. http://www.messier.seds.org/xtra/marathon/marathon.html excellent resource.

From the site use this list to order image list http://www.messier.seds.org/xtra/marathon/marathon.html

And this for planing what day to attempt the marathon http://www.messier.seds.org/xtra/marathon/mm-dates.html
Shoot for the days listed as best and go for your clear night closest to the day.

-Chris

[umasscrew39]

Very nice, Chris. You have the patience of a saint. The 294 is an excellent camera. I am regretting selling mine.

Bruce