monkeys at the zoo

RASA 8 astrophotography in South East Queensland

The RASA 8 telescope is a very versatile telescope able to capture a range of objects including galaxies, globular clusters and various types of nebulae. These images were captured from 2021 to the present day. Most objects where captured using an ASI183MC on an Rainbow Astro RST135E mount. I don’t spend much time processing as I have better things to do at the zoo. Please enjoy….

Favourite RASA8 images

NGC 1688 – ASI183MC – 120*2min – Brisbane
NGC 6729 – ASI183MC – 18* 5min – Mutapilly
Rho O – ASI183MC – 120*2min – Qld Astrofest 2022
Stock 16 – ASI183MC – Brisbane
M1 – ASI183MC – 205*1min – Brisbane
M33 – ASI183 – Esk, Queensland
NGC 6164 -ASI183MC – Brisbane
Omega Centauri – NGC 5139 – ASI183MC – 120*1min – Brisbane
Rosette Nebula – ASI183MC – 69*1min – Brisbane
SH2-308 – ASI183MC – Esk, Queensland
B74 – 85*2mins – IDAS NGS1- Brisbane
Prawn Nebula – IC4628 – 120*2min – IDAS NB1 – Brisbane
Triffid Nebula – M20 – ASI183MC – 120*1min – Brisbane
Comet Leonard – Esk, Queensland
Barnard’s Galaxy – NGC 6822 – 318*2mins- IDAS NGS1 – Brisbane
SH2-31 – 60*1min subs – Brisbane
IC4291 – 17*1min – Brisbane
Carina Nebula – 322*1min – IDAS NB1 – Brisbane
M83 – 115*3mins – Brisbane
SH2-44 – IC 4701 – 250*2min – Brisbane
RCW3 – Brisbane
Tarantula Nebula – ASI294 – 135*1min – Esk, Queensland
SH2-54 – 519*1mins – Brisbane
NGC 253 – 12*5 min – Mutapilly

There are a number of telescope at The Zoo, but the RASA 8 see the most use as it a “fast” F2 telescope (Marketing monkeys love this phrase) thanks to its short 400mm focal length and 8 inch diameter. This means enough data can be captured in just one or two nights and processed to get a semi decent final image. Why does this matter? The ever increasing unpredictable weather. Climate change… what climate change!!

The images below include custom made 3D printed attachments and CNC parts added to the RASA 8 to improve its handling & performance.

  • 3D printed clamp for USB hub xx
  • 3D printed bracket clamp
  • 3D printed cable guides
  • 3D printed CONESCOPE
  • 3D printed custom made counter weight
  • Custom made coreflute hood and blue foam cover
Processing RASA8 data with AstroPixel Processor

Astrophotography processing

All images are captured on a laptop using NINA as the main acquisition program. CDC aka Skychart is used for navigation and SharpCap Pro for polar alignment and focusing.

FITS are captured as either 1min, 2min or 3min subs depending on the location, object and weather conditions.

The ASI183MC is operated at gain 120, offset 10 and temperature -10 Degrees C.

Coming soon.. How to process ASI183MC FIT files captured with a RASA8.

Learn more