Did I Capture Pluto in My Backyard?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the amateur astrophotography of Pluto, including the techniques used for capturing images and the experiences of participants in observing celestial bodies. It encompasses aspects of observational astronomy, equipment usage, and personal experiences in locating and photographing planets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares images of Pluto taken with a camera, emphasizing their belief that Pluto is a planet.
  • Another participant humorously responds to the claim of being a planet, indicating a playful tone in the discussion.
  • Several participants express admiration for the images and inquire about the methods used to locate Pluto, specifically asking about the use of motorized telescopes.
  • Participants discuss their own experiences with observing planets, mentioning challenges in seeing Mercury due to its position on the horizon.
  • One participant notes the importance of timing and conditions for observing Mercury, suggesting it is best seen when it is hot outside.
  • Another participant mentions the current elongation of Mercury and its visibility near Regulus, providing specific astronomical details.
  • A participant shares plans to rent a specific lens for astrophotography, indicating ongoing interest in capturing celestial images.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express enthusiasm for astrophotography and share personal experiences, but there is no consensus on the classification of Pluto as a planet, as one participant asserts it is a planet while another humorously contests the notion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific astronomical conditions and equipment without providing detailed explanations of their methods or the technical specifications of their setups.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astrophotographers, and individuals interested in planetary observation may find this discussion relevant.

Andy Resnick
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Two images, taken on 7/25 and 7/27, both at 11pm. Couldn't use my equitorial mount- a house was in the way- these are stacks of 0.8s exposures (400/2.8, ISO 2500) and heavily post-processed.

Pluto%207_25%20and%207_27_zpsaqkuvzxs.jpg


Pluto's a planet, I don't care what anyone else says. :)
 
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Andy Resnick said:
Pluto's a planet, I don't care what anyone else says. :)
upload_2017-7-28_14-58-54.png

Now wait a minute Bub ... I'm no planet.
 
Very cool, Andy!
By the way, how did you find it? Did you use a motorized/computerized telescope?
 
Well done Andy ... I have yet to see pluto ... the last on the list
 
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DennisN said:
Very cool, Andy!
By the way, how did you find it? Did you use a motorized/computerized telescope?

I aimed my camera according to Google Sky- Pluto is near a bright star in Sagittarius (π Sgr). I took a bunch more images over the weekend, hopefully this will provide confirmation!
 
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davenn said:
Well done Andy ... I have yet to see pluto ... the last on the list
Thanks- I'm still missing Mercury, it's usually too low on the horizon.
 
Andy Resnick said:
Thanks- I'm still missing Mercury, it's usually too low on the horizon.

You just got to get your scope higher. Way, way higher... :biggrin:
 
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Andy Resnick said:
Thanks- I'm still missing Mercury, it's usually too low on the horizon.

haven't photo'ed that I can recall
but have seen many times over the years
 
Andy Resnick said:
Thanks- I'm still missing Mercury, it's usually too low on the horizon.
Try it when it's hot outside, that's when Mercury rises, I've been told.
 
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  • #10
Andy Resnick said:
Thanks- I'm still missing Mercury, it's usually too low on the horizon.

It's near its maximum elongation now - 27 degrees. (Max was yesterday) It looks like it just set where you are, but there's always tomorrow. It's near Regulus.
 
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  • #11
Clear nights for the past week- unheard of! Here's what I was able to capture:

Presentation1_zpsrgo1onnm.jpg


Off for vacation next week; I'm renting a nikon 105/1.4 specifically to try it out for astrophotography (I need to replace my now incompatible 85/1.4 lens at some point).
 
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