Lunar Photos

As promised, some of my lunar photos from a year or so ago. Taken with the Celestron SLT-102 refractor, webcam, and processed with RegiStax 4 software.



Bright crater Aristarchus with the curving Vallis Schroteri.



The Montes Apenninus, which make up the southeastern rim of Mare Imbrium. Just to the southwest (towards the lower right of the photo) of the gap between the ranges and hidden in the shadows cast by the mountains is the Apollo 15 landing site, the Hadley Rille.



Sinus Iridum, the "bay" off the northwest quadrant of Mare Imbrium. One of my favorite places on the moon (visually, of course).



Mare Humorum, southwest quadrant of the moon. The large crater at the north end (right side of photo) is Gassendi.



The big crater Plato, just outside the northeast corner of Mare Imbrium. Inside the lava-filled floor of Mare Imbrium one can see the Straight Mountains (Montes Rectii) and the peaks of the Teneriffe Mountains (Montes Teneriffe). The smooth area to the north (upper left) of Plato is Mare Frigoris, the Frozen Sea. Near bottom center is the long straight Vallis Alpes that cuts through the Montes Alpes.

More later. Clear skies!

Introduction

Astronomy seems to be a popular topic for blogs. There are some folks on the'net doing some amazing things with off-the-shelf technology and many hours of dedicated effort.

I am not one of those.

I've dabbled in astronomy since high school, and got pretty good at rooftop astronomy. I was spoiled by having a fixed observatory dome and Celestron 14 available from the start, but I think I used the time and equipment wisely. My dad and I introduced hundreds of people of all ages to the stars and planets, and saw some pretty cool things. In 1977 we traveled to view a total solar eclipse, and the photo my dad took still hangs proudly by my desk.

Recently I have reintroduced myself to astronomy, and have just purchased my second telescope. The first was a Celestron SLT-100, a computer-controlled refractor with lots of slick features. I love it, except that at star parties I have to wait until well after dark to align and start observing. With a modified webcam I have done some nice simple lunar photography, which I'll post soon (have to transfer from another laptop). Today I ordered a 10-inch Dobsonian for quick setup and to gather more light for my aging eyes. Together, these scopes should complement each other well.

After the winter here I am ready to get out and start observing again. If I see anything interesting, I will let you know.