The day for the conjunction (December 22, 2020) we actually had it snow so no way to see anything. The day of the conjunction was clear so I did a test run using my binoculars. I was able to see both planets in the southwest. The next day was a clear day so in the afternoon I got the telescope and camera ready. I moved everything outside around 4:00 PM and starting getting everything connected. Unfortunately, I forgot how hard it was to focus on a planet. I finally remembered to focus on a distant land object. So, I was able to get the planets in the camera live view. Also unfortunately, I cou ..read more

I tried three times to capture an image of the comet. The first night I took out the Meade ETX90EC and Canon T3i. Unfortunately, I didn’t put the finderscope back on after storing it. This made it hard to find the comet. I was able to find the comet but couldn’t focus since the live view on the Canon wouldn’t show the comet. Eventually, I just took pictures and checked the focus. I run out of time before the comet set behind some shrubs. The next night, I setup everything early. Earlier in the day, I had added the finderscope. I was able to find the comet easily but still had the focusing issu ..read more

I forget exactly where I learned about NightCap Camera.  I think in an astronomy magazine.  NightCap Camera is an app for the iPhone that helps with low light situation and sounded like a possible solution when using the iPhone and an adapter for astrophotography through an eyepiece on a telescope. I read through the articles on the NightCap Camera website and identified some things I would like to try once I settle on an iPhone adapter to try. Specifically, the modes for the moon, star and star trails.  It had some options to image galaxy using a telescope but not sure.  B ..read more