Crescent Moon in Hand-Held Camera

I'm new at astro-imaging, but couldn't resist the esthetic Crescent Moon after so many cloudy nights.  Have only used my 10x Walmart Point & Shoot small camera once before.  Have been told I would have to use a tripod or the image would smudge.

This 1st image is hand-held.  Deleted 4 smudged images.  The next image is on a tripod.  Don't know what all the Menu  and Settings are and what they do.  Was dissapointed not to get much Lunar detail.  Suspect there were Settings and Menu Options that would have improved the image.  Suppose that comes with practice and experience.

Hope that my crude efforts encourages others (you) to take images and post them in the PHOTOS section of this Web Site or even in this Blog.  Already know there are many who have more skills than me and better equipment.

This 2nd Image was taken also at 10x but on a tripod.  It was one of 4 that were equally "clear".  Lesson learned - tripod makes a difference (to me).  Note tree limbs in this Image.  Note also the angle of the Moon Phase.

Hope you get to see the Crescent Moon.  Hope this elementary effort encourages you to submit your astro-images.  Anyone know why the 2nd image is larger than the 1st?  Had the same zoom setting.
- Tom Whitney

Northeast Astronomy Forum - NEAF is THIS Weekend!

Hello everyone,

This weekend (Saturday 4/17 and Sunday 4/18) professional and amateur astronomers along with many vendors presenters will converge in Suffern, NY for the 2010 Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF).  Hosted by Rockland Community College this is one of the largest Astronomy Expos in the country.  You'll find countless talks and presentations to attend, all sorts of the latest astronomy equipment and gadgets from telescopes and binoculars to accessories like laser collimators and observing chairs at great prices!  If the weather is nice some of the most impressive solar telescopes will make an appearance outside as well.  Rain or shine I encourage you to take a ride down on Saturday and/or Sunday and check it out!

-Kevin.

FREE PUBLIC OBSERVING PROGRAMS START

We (the 5As) start our Free Public Observing Programs Saturday, April 2nd and continue to the end of October.

Every Saturday at 1 pm, there's a Solar Observing on the Amherst Town Common.  The Sun appears to be comming out of a Sunspot Minimum, making the Sun more interesting to observe.  We do a 2nd Solar Observing at Science A to Z Store on King ST, Northampton at 3 pm.

Every Saturday at 9 pm, if it's clear, we open the Amherst College Observatory on Snell ST, Amherst.  This is probably our premiere program.  Typically there is 3 to 5 telescopes set up outside.  Because the Observatory Telescope takes so long to set up, move to objects, and cycle people through the Observing Platform, we often only observe one to three objects.  The telescopes on the "lawn" are free to go to many objects - even by request.  This is where the heart of the program is conducted.  You will be shown Mars, Saturn, Multiple-Stars, Galaxies, Star Clusters - Open and Globular, Nebulas, and even an Asteroid.  Club Members would be pleased to accommodate any request.

Every Sunday at Sunset, (which is now about 7:15 pm, but is constantly slowly changing), we do a Sunset Observing Porgram at Mt. Pollux, off South East ST, Amherst.

In addition, we do several other Observing Programs, so check out CALENDAR on this Web Site for updates and information.  As with all our Observing Programs, Clear or Near-Clear weather is required.  Check this Web Site, weather forcasts, and the sky before comming.  All our Programs are free and open with no restrictions.  Our Observing Programs are appropriate for all ages.

Hope you can take advantage of our Programs and look forward to seeing you.  You will see some of the most incredible sights in all nature.  Do not hesitate to call me - Tom Whitney  256-6234   - or email this Site with any questions.