Since a few weeks ago I got my first views of the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) and the Horsehead Nebula (IC 434) I decide to try and get an image of this area through my AT66ED using my Nikon D60 at Prime focus and here is what I ended up with:

Flame Nebula and Horsehead Nebula - 7 x 5 minutes, ISO800

The flickr page for this image can be found here.

I think it turned out pretty good. You can still see some movement in the stars but compared to previous unguided exposures I think they look awesome. I took nine 5 minute exposures and 7 of them were good enough to stack, unguided I usually end up with about half of even my 2 minute exposures no good for stacking. I am looking forward to learning more about the guiding software and getting even longer exposures.

Tonight is suppose to be cool and clear also so I hope to get out and have another look around.

Set up early in the day on Saturday, but the clouds moved in. It looked like it would probably clear after midnight, but I did not stay up and wait.

Last night was cool and clear, but not cold. The temperature was actually warm enough that it was comfortable with just a light jacket. I love spring. Was only out for a couple hours after dark – from about 8:00 PM till 10:30 PM. It was a work night and 5:30 AM comes quick when you are up half the night.  I hope to get out a couple more nights this week.

Checked out M81, M82, and a few other objects. I tried to locate the Crab Nebula, I think I found it but it appears a just a gray smudge. I am going to spend some more time on this another night.

Took some images of a couple of my favorites – The Orion Nebula and M3. I think they turned out pretty well.

Orion Nebula - 10 x 30 second ISO 1600

M3 - 4 x 30 seconds ISO 400

Looking forward to the next clear night.