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Observatory
- NexDome 2.2m (8′) with Two Bays
Game changer. With the telescope and mount permanently set up on an iOptron pier, I’m always just minutes away from imaging. The pier allows for quick polar alignment, and the dome provides a stable, weather-protected environment that makes year-round imaging practical and reliable.
All I have to do is open the dome, run a star alignment, and I’m ready to go. From setup to imaging in under five minutes—it’s transformed how often and how easily I can observe.
Telescopes
- Celestron 9.25″ Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (SCT)
Native focal ratio:Â f/10, focal length:Â 2350mm
Mounted on a Celestron CGEM II equatorial mount.
- Celestron 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (SCT)
Native focal ratio:Â f/10, focal length:Â 2032mm
Mounted on a Celestron AVX equatorial mount.
- Celestron 8″ StarSense Explorer Dobsonian
Primarily used for visual observing; great for quick, guided sessions using a smartphone interface.
Guiding
- Celestron StarSense Autoguider
I use one dedicated autoguider for each SCT. Once configured, these do a solid job of maintaining accurate tracking over longer exposures.
Imaging Accessories
- Starizona HyperStar 4
Converts the Celestron 8″ SCT to a fast f/1.9 system with a 390mm focal length. This is a major upgrade for wide-field imaging and shorter exposure times.
- Starizona SCT Corrector 4 (0.63×)
A focal reducer and coma corrector, bringing the f/10 SCTs down to approximately f/6.3. Handy for increasing the field of view—though I’ve had mixed results with it.
Camera
- ZWO ASI2600MC Pro (×2)
I use one for each SCT. These cooled color cameras have been incredibly reliable, producing many of my best images to date.
Software
- Imaging – SharpCap
Great features, easy to use and understand, Live Stacking, and great support
- Image Processing – PixInsight
Nothing compares to this product. Excellent product, excellent add-ons and excellent support.
- Scope Control – CPWI
Great features, easy to use and understand, Live Stacking, and great support