NGC3430 and NGC3395/3396 (Arp 270)

The constellation Leo Minor is one of my favorites, it is literally -covered- with very interesting galaxies. This is an astrophoto of NGC3430 and its surroundings. You also see the two interacting galaxies NGC3395/3396, also known as Arp 270. These galaxies, standing at 90 million light years, are starting to collide with each other. They can be detected using a 4" telescope! I am definitately going to try to see these objects using my 200mm telescope.
This astrophoto was shot using my 200mmF5 Newtonian reflector with an Artemis 4021 mono cooled CCD camera in its primary focus. It is a combination of 8 20min exposures.

The EL panel for the Takahashi is ready!

After weeks of experimenting with the prototype EL panel the final design became more and more clear. Herman ten Haaf from ASH turned the prototype in this final version.

There the frame is being made.

The inside contains filters in order to receive a fully illuminated field. The filters also help to decrease the brightness of the EL panel so flatfield exposures exceed 5sec. This gives better reproducable results for the flatfield calibration frames.

This is the finalized result. Next thing to do is test it on the Takahashi with my Artemis CCD and DSLR camera's.

Binocular testing

Here is a picture of the three 10x50 binoculars under test. In a week or so they will get company of a Leica also.

From left to right: Pentax 10x50 ED DCF, Fujinon 10x50 FMTR-SX and last, but definately not least: the Swarovski 10x50 EL.

Exit pupil of the Swarovski.

Exit pupil of the Fujinon.

Exit pupil of the Pentax.

And, for comparison, the exit pupil of my 10x50 Splend/Kamakura binocular.

Visit to "de Verrekijkerspecialist" in Maarssen

I am going to perform a test of modern 10x50 binoculars for astronomy use. Last Friday I got the message that the binoculars were ready for pickup, so on Saturday we went for this beautiful shop.

Here is the table where each visit starts. Jan gives basic and in-depth information on binoculars, their construction and optics. There are many examples of binoculars that have been cut in half to show their interior.

Besides new optics there is a large collection of classic binoculars. Here is a set of classic Zeiss binoculars.

Here are binoculars "war production". All luxury has been omitted to enable quick and effective production.

Large binoculars for astronomical use.

Many classical binoculars.

Classic binoculars, there is even a compass.

My personal favorite: the Zeiss Dialyt.

Quality porro prims kit together.

Chinese roof-prism besides a well-coated quality roof-prism.

Snowy backyard

Snowy backyard with observatory roof frozen stuck to the rails.....no astrophotography possible......