Greetings from Seattle

5 replies64 views
Joel Shepherd avatar
Greetings - I started tinkering with AP about a year ago, and while it seems like progress has been very slow (my stars are still ovoids, my coma is hospital-worthy, and my collimation needs help) I've still found AP one of the most challenging and rewarding pastimes imaginable.

We live barely a mile from downtown Seattle (west coast, United States) but are sheltered from the worst of the light pollution by a ridge and trees. I continue to be amazed that in our very urban location, it's possible to photograph galaxies, supernova remnants and nebula in detail from our garden. I use AstroBin partly to enjoy others' photos, partly to learn about new, interesting targets and partly to get some inspiration from what others' have accomplished.

See you around – Joel.
Well written Respectful Engaging
Paddy Gilliland avatar
Hi there Joel

Spent many a month in Seattle providing consultancy services to a well known software company you may have heard of!
You have some wonderful locations there once you have everything working you should be OK and narrowband will help with the LP.
Paddy
Salvatore Iovene avatar
Isn't Seattle known for its many rainy days? (sorry, ignorant foreigner here who doesn't know all the many other things Seattle might be known for smile )
Joel Shepherd avatar
It is known for rain: we've had six straight weeks of it so far this fall with just a few very short breaks. Summers usually have long stretches of beautiful weather though (almost drought-like dryness), and when we get clear stretches in the winter and spring it's usually very clear … all that rain has thoroughly washed the air. Oh, and all the coffee and sparkling snow in the mountains helps make the rain tolerable too. Paddy: I'm thinking of trying an HA filter tomorrow night, partly to work around the moon. We'll see how it goes.
Paddy Gilliland avatar
Knowing Seattle and guesstimating your light pollution I would suggest this is a good move - do allow for some longer subs though as you will pulling through a narrower band of light.

Paddy
ascotti avatar
Joel Shepherd:
Greetings


Greetings from Rome and clear skies! I've been in Seattle a couple of times (at the Microsoft campus) and brought back some great memories, it's a fantastic place!
Well written
Related discussions
Hello From Illinois
Been working with AP for about 3 years, still new to this wonderful mind exercising activity. Have learned a lot with some success. Astrobin has been a great place for advice ,examples and above all inspiration. Gerard
Relatively new to AP; struggling with technical challenges; seeks guidance.
Dec 2, 2015
Beguiner from Northern Spain
Hello all. I'm a completely newby in astrophotography and I found astrobin very inspiring. I'm glad to get accepted in this community. Best regards.
Beginner astrophotographer sharing early struggles and learning experience.
Feb 3, 2016
Dave from the Netherlands
Hi I,m Dave from the Netherlands Diving into the world of Astrophotography around 2011,and i love it!! Still got a lot to learn with processing my data,but the weather in the Netherlands keeps me busy with processing,instead of collecting data . I...
Astrophotographer sharing learning journey and technical challenges.
Nov 19, 2015
Hello from Pennsylvania
I have been fascinated with astronomy since I was a child. Had a cheap department store scope when I was young and as is the case, was turned off from viewing due to the poor optics. Finally decided to get myself a good scope in 2012 and as they say ...
Recently started astrophotography journey, shares author's current focus and challenges.
Nov 23, 2015
Hello from Groningen, The Netherlands
Hey! I've been trying to do astrophotography from an inner city for about a year now. You can read my story here. To be honest it has been tough, getting familiar with everything, combating light pollution, and the ever persistent Dutch clouds ha...
Beginner astrophotographer with slow progress; relatable timeline and challenges.
Mar 10, 2017