Instrumentation for Visual and Photographic Photometry of T CrB

Technology Instrumentation & Equipment
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Hi All,

Now that T CrB is in the Western Sky after sunset, and from my location it is fading fast in the glow of Los Angeles, I have a new configuration to share. I set-up a visual and photometric photometry scope side-by-side using a Losmandy DVSBS.
This is an Explore Scientific ES102ED & an ES152ED on the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 w/PMC-Eight computer drive.
I’ve started getting familiar with the camera, filterwheel, and NINA, but its been a long learning curve.

DBSBS Balanced - SkyShed POD
DBSBS Balanced - SkyShed POD4032×3024 2.17 MB

I do visual photometry nightly on T CrB and other variables using 120mm binoculars. I’m in Southern California and my visual limiting magnitude is 4.0. So I need 120mm binoculars to easily see 10th magnitude and as the stars move west, they move over the glow from Los Angeles.

Geoptik Binoplus Pantograph - Explore Scientific 120mm Bino's - Riverstar Observatory
Geoptik Binoplus Pantograph - Explore Scientific 120mm Bino's - Riverstar Observatory1512×2016 486 KB

I will use the ES 152ED for visual photometry as T CrB sinks in the west. I don’t want to miss the outburst. My giant binoculars will perform well for another couple weeks, but then the western glow will overwhelm 10th magnitude.

This may be “silly” question but anybody else obsessed with T CrB these days?

Andrew

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I’m really excited about the Burst. I have an image I took with my Seestar S50. Now I’m waiting for the Burst to Image that!

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Hi Fletch,

Yes. It is exciting! Great to hear you have already imaged T CrB with a Seestar S50. Make sure to check out this thread about using the Seestar for photometry.

Now that Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas is rising in the west after sunset, it would be the perfect time for a Nova in that same area of the sky!

Andrew

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