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Hello from Sweden

Pegasus Astro Falcon Rotator Observatory Introductions Deep Sky
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Read noise Astrophotography avatar
Read noise Astrophotography avatar
About Me

Hi, I’m Nova — a deep-sky imager based in the far north (Bortle 5 skies, rugged terrain, unpredictable weather). I’ve been away from astrophotography since 2018 and only returned in October last year. Let’s just say... I forgot more than I expected. But I’m back now — with better gear, better discipline, and a fire that’s burning hotter than ever.

I built my observatory by hand using elm from trees I felled myself. Every part of the system — from the hardwood shell to the cabling — is tuned for long-haul, off-grid photon hunting. My style leans toward structure and realism: I want to show the sky as it is, not as social media wants it to be.⚙️ Gear Setup (Elm-1 Observatory)

Mount: iOptron CEM70
Scope: Sharpstar Z4 Petzval 100mm f/5.5
Camera: ToupTek ATR 26000M (mono, APS-C)
Filters:
  • Antlia 4.5nm Ha, SII, OIII
  • Full RGB Pro V set
    • Filter Wheel: ToupTek 7-position (36mm unmounted)
    Guide Camera: ToupTek GMP 462
    Accessories:
  • Pegasus Astro Powerbox Advanced
  • Pegasus Falcon Rotator V2
  • Heater bands
  • Wanderer Astro automatic flat panel
  • Custom cabling, counterweights, etc.
    • Control: Beelink Mini PC (Windows 11 + NINA)
    Power: Clean DC via LiFePO4, solar + mains charging
    Additional: Raspberry Pi-based all-sky cam, LAN bridge, cloud sensor incoming
Well Written Helpful Insightful Engaging
Achim Schaller avatar
Achim Schaller avatar
Hi Nova, welcome! 
I am looking forward to our roadtrip to Sweden in 2 weeks.
Not hoping to take some astrophotos, but hopig for some auroras….
How far in the north are you?

Clear skies,   Achim
Günther Eder avatar
Günther Eder avatar
Hi Nova, welcome, greetings from Austria!

cs Günther
Read noise Astrophotography avatar
Read noise Astrophotography avatar
Günther Eder:
Hi Nova, welcome, greetings from Austria!

cs Günther

Hi thank you Austria I concidred moving there some years ago. I wish I did!
Read noise Astrophotography avatar
Read noise Astrophotography avatar
Achim Schaller:
Hi Nova, welcome! 
I am looking forward to our roadtrip to Sweden in 2 weeks.
Not hoping to take some astrophotos, but hopig for some auroras....
How far in the north are you?

Clear skies,   Achim

Hi there I am in the middle of the country, I am not sure it will be dark enough in two week to see Aurora there are always equinox Aurora. You can see Aurora almost always but that's in the far north and I am not sure if the sun sets at this time of year. During the summer months the sun touches the horizon then goes back up again. Maybe you want to check Stelerium for the location you want to visit. Definitely take mosquito protection if you are going  far north.
Achim Schaller avatar
Achim Schaller avatar
Read noise Astrophotography:
Achim Schaller:
Hi Nova, welcome! 
I am looking forward to our roadtrip to Sweden in 2 weeks.
Not hoping to take some astrophotos, but hopig for some auroras....
How far in the north are you?

Clear skies,   Achim

Hi there I am in the middle of the country, I am not sure it will be dark enough in two week to see Aurora there are always equinox Aurora. You can see Aurora almost always but that's in the far north and I am not sure if the sun sets at this time of year. During the summer months the sun touches the horizon then goes back up again. Maybe you want to check Stelerium for the location you want to visit. Definitely take mosquito protection if you are going  far north.

We will stay until end of August, so I hope to have some luck...
My wife and sons missed last years outburst (https://www.astrobin.com/pkb7hi/) so I hope they will have a chance in Sweden...
Clear skies,   Achim
Read noise Astrophotography avatar
Read noise Astrophotography avatar
Achim Schaller:
Read noise Astrophotography:
Achim Schaller:
Hi Nova, welcome! 
I am looking forward to our roadtrip to Sweden in 2 weeks.
Not hoping to take some astrophotos, but hopig for some auroras....
How far in the north are you?

Clear skies,   Achim

Hi there I am in the middle of the country, I am not sure it will be dark enough in two week to see Aurora there are always equinox Aurora. You can see Aurora almost always but that's in the far north and I am not sure if the sun sets at this time of year. During the summer months the sun touches the horizon then goes back up again. Maybe you want to check Stelerium for the location you want to visit. Definitely take mosquito protection if you are going  far north.

We will stay until end of August, so I hope to have some luck...
My wife and sons missed last years outburst (https://www.astrobin.com/pkb7hi/) so I hope they will have a chance in Sweden...
Clear skies,   Achim

Good luck mid August should be fine good luck and clear skies !!
Read noise Astrophotography avatar
Read noise Astrophotography avatar
Achim Schaller:
Read noise Astrophotography:
Achim Schaller:
Hi Nova, welcome! 
I am looking forward to our roadtrip to Sweden in 2 weeks.
Not hoping to take some astrophotos, but hopig for some auroras....
How far in the north are you?

Clear skies,   Achim

Hi there I am in the middle of the country, I am not sure it will be dark enough in two week to see Aurora there are always equinox Aurora. You can see Aurora almost always but that's in the far north and I am not sure if the sun sets at this time of year. During the summer months the sun touches the horizon then goes back up again. Maybe you want to check Stelerium for the location you want to visit. Definitely take mosquito protection if you are going  far north.

We will stay until end of August, so I hope to have some luck...
My wife and sons missed last years outburst (https://www.astrobin.com/pkb7hi/) so I hope they will have a chance in Sweden...
Clear skies,   Achim

Nice video clip !
Brian Diaz avatar
Brian Diaz avatar
Hi Nova, welcome


greetings from Miami, USA


CS
Brian