My first astrophotograph

Right then,

Here's the first astro photo I have taken with my new Canon EIS 350D toy...

It's either the Great Bear. Ursa Major or the Big Dipper as you guys in the States call it!

I set the camera up according to a tutorial I found on the web. Anyone who'd like to try it I can post it up here for you.

I did it all without really having much of a clue about what I was doing too as I still have loads to learn.

If you look carefully you'll see the second star along is a double. That's called Mizar. Its smaller companion is Alcor. I think the names are Arabic. We owe a large debt to Arabian astronomers for the names they've given us to many stars.

Sweet.

Was that done by attatching the cam to your telescope or done with the standard lens that came with the cam or with a different lens alltogether? How long was the exposure?

Been meaning to get out and do some night sky shots with mine and wondering what to expect with the kit lens

Sorry, I'm not seeing much in the photo. Might be my monitor here though.

Ursa Major is the entire constellation of the Great Bear; the Big Dipper is only a part of that constellation which is most recognisable, seven stars which are also recognised as a sub-constellation around the world. That name is used throughout the US and Canada; in the UK it's called the Plough (or Butcher's Cleaver in the naath) and it has lots of other names worldwide.

woof.

Tom here's the link which used. shows even which menu settings to use.

I simply unscrewed my telescope from the tripd, then screwed the EOS into that. The screws are a bit long and it wobbles a bit but I was able to take this pic without it slipping. Father in law has a tripod which I am going to ask about.

I simply aimed the camera at that approximate area then set it to auto timer then waited. Standard lens.

Nice tree
But you can also see the curve of the wagon handle nicely.

Nice work for starters!

You should be able to get a kit, so you can just piggyback your camera on your scope.

Exactly what I was going to say.

60 years old and full of apples.

I am off right now. The sound I can hear at this time of year is the plopping of apples onto the grass.

Wake up tomorrow and there will be a hundred more of them. Pain in the bum as no one yet will juice them. Too early.