First deep sky image for 2013

Finally a break in the cruddy weather. At least for one night. That seems to be about what can be expected these last years. Here is my first image of the new year, I had a nice chance to give the observatory a workout and test out the systems. All was working pretty well, but I still don't have the dome rotation synced with the telescope mount yet. So I have to slew it manually. This is another attempt at my favorite winter object - Orion Nebula (M42) and the "Running Man" above it. The photo is made up of about 30 images varying from about 12 seconds exposure (to get the bright center) and up to about 5.5 minutes to capture the dim outer edges of the nebula. Taken with a Canon 350D at ISO 800, Orion 80ED Apo Refractor, piggybacked and guided by the 12" LX200. Once again, the wait for another clear night begins....