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Mars & Neptune Conjunction

Discussion in 'Astrophotography and Imaging' started by Orion25, Dec 6, 2018.

Mars & Neptune Conjunction

Started by Orion25 on Dec 6, 2018 at 6:55 PM

5 Replies 1211 Views 3 Likes

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  1. Orion25

    Orion25 Well-Known Member

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    Orion25, Dec 6, 2018
    #1
    I've been waiting on this conjunction all year and I got clear skies to photograph it! Mars & Neptune will be closest on December 7th but even tonight they fit in a low power telescopic view. So, I couldn't resist! Here they are in a single 6 second exposure at F/29, ISO 800 using my Nikon D3200 and my Orion 127mm Mak-Cass:
    [​IMG]
    Don't you just love Neptune's distinctive blue hue? It contrasts well with Mars.

    Reggie :)
     
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  2. Ed D

    Ed D Well-Known Member

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    Ed D, Dec 9, 2018
    #2
    Reggie, you did it. N I C E ! ! ! I love that you captured the blue color of Neptune.

    Last night I finished setting up my equipment only to have bad cloud cover move in. I was waiting to see if the clouds would clear, but decided to pack it up. Good thing, as a torrential rainstorm fell less than five minutes later.

    Ed D
     
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  3. Orion25

    Orion25 Well-Known Member

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    Orion25, Dec 9, 2018
    #3
    Thanks, Ed. I was fortunate to get that shot Thursday because the clouds took over Friday night as forecasted. I got the photo featured on EarthSky.org (as Wo Wehali):

    https://earthsky.org/tonight/earliest-sunset-today-but-not-shortest-day

    I was anticipating this conjunction all year and even though I couldn't see their closest approach, I saw one close enough to get a photo :)

    P.S. I'm glad your equipment didn't get wet!

    Reggie
     
  4. Ed D

    Ed D Well-Known Member

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    Ed D, Dec 10, 2018
    #4
    Hi Reggie,

    Another promising target is Comet 46P Wirtanten. Trying to decide on what equipment to use.

    Ed D
     
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  5. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Dec 10, 2018
    #5
    Congratulations on viewing/ imaging the conjunction.
    I was hoping to view it but the clouds would not cooperate as usual.
     
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  6. Orion25

    Orion25 Well-Known Member

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    Orion25, Dec 10, 2018
    #6
    Thanks, Gabby. I was lucky to image the two in close proximity the night before the peak of the conjunction because cloud took over that Friday. I was waiting all year for this one!
     

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