SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

So, I was poking around in Stellarium last night after doing my alignment routine.
I spied with my little eye, a blob of HA nebula NGC 6357 "The Lobster Nebula". For me, it was a barely reachable, extreme Eastward object shooting into the LP of the next door neighbors patio lights, and the city LP beyond. But something I'd never done before.

My first exposures shown there was something there. So I took the time up to 2 minute (120s) exposures and let it gather and build a stack of images. After 15 stacked, (30 minutes), I decided to try my HA7nm on the Nebula. Focusing is always tough with the filter, because it takes a lot of time to do the trial and error correction. But I got close, then fine tuned while in progress. Still not great though.
Boy, did that make it pop! After 10 images, I could see why it was called the Lobster Nebula. (Although it could have been called a crab, too)
I was kind of hurrying and fighting sleep. I'd been up way too late the night before, and left sleep deprived. (No nap!)
I didn't want to get yelled at for snoring in the office again...

So... the 2 images. And my Bear Paw touched PP'd. Feel free to download and play if you'd like.

Lobster Nebula 15 120s 1800s (No HA)

(Download)

Lobster Nebula 10 120s 1200s (HA7nm)

(Download)

Lobster Nebula 10 120s 1200s (HA7nm)PPw

(Download)

stepping beyond Loc: usa eastcoast

Damn Sonny , I've not heard or seen that either. Stellarium has some weird named objects ? Keep'em coming.

Europa Loc: West Hills, CA

Very nice Sonny! I was just wondering if you had been out, some nice skies and no moon in the way.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Thanks Guys!
Oh yeah, I'm out there.
Last night I jumped on it again.
Trifid, Lobster, and another new-to-me called the Cats Paw Nebula.

Frankly, I do not like the renaming of old objects. Some of this chit is obvious.
I don't think Messier had a clue what a Pac Man Nebula was. And probably never had a lobster for dinner either.

As is typical for me, I figure out ways around things that either don't work for me, or are confusing.
Same-o for this new mount. Alignment is Modeling. OK, whatever. I tried the prescribed methods, but have settled in with what works for me.
It works because I keep going to it's menu of Alignment Stars, adjusting them, until they are landing almost dead center in my crosshairs. I lose track, but maybe 10-15 stars. (I have perseverance.)
At that point, almost anything I pick in Stellarium lands nearly dead centered, or is easily adjusted and starting PHD2 with it's new guide star button gets me locked in. Doesn't seem to need settling time.
I'm still getting "space ships" now. Hard to see at the mount, but in the light of day, they get "coyote ugly".
So now I'm thinking I need PEC running. Maybe I'm missing Periodic Error Correction since the PHD2 reinstall.
It's the only new thing in the mix, I think.
But for me in my wide eyed wonder, every night is new.

Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

Great pictures. Now I have to go looking for HA7nm filters. Was hoping I wouldn't have to shell out this kind of $$. Then saw your results and knew it was going to happen. - So much I want to do. And so little time! Thanks,

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Thanks Paul!

It's a Black Hole, Paul.
We just keep throwing money into it.

I like Baader products, so I bought two of their filters to replace my "Starter Filters". And they are working good for me.
But it costs a huge amount for a specialized little chunk of glass.

But wait, there's more.... $$
I mounted my filters into a filter wheel (Manual type)(for example) so I don't have to touch them, just turn the wheel.

I rarely ever change the positions on my wheel. I use a Moon & Sky glow for light pollution the most, a blank hole (empty) when the Moon is dark, and in the case of red emmission Nebula I, my HA7nm.
And the other 5 positions basically rust. Those are LRGB and a Moon filter.
My off-brand filter wheel has 8 positions.

But yeah, Paul, just throw your whole wallet in the hole.