RE: [APML] 'challenge'

[astropix@att.net]

 Hey Guys...

     Why not just concede the fact that Saturn will be grossly over-exposed in 
any single film shot that reveals M1... and use a diffraction cross to spread 
the light and minimize halation... as John Mirtle did in a similar Jupiter/M44 
transit. See:

     http://members.shaw.ca/jmirtle/m44.htm

The image scale is vastly different between these two events... but I think if 
one shoots a day or two before/after the actual transit... both objects could 
be resolved on a single frame with the caveat that Saturn will be 'star-like' 
in appearence. This is going to be one of my stratagies... fabricating a 
temporary cross for my MN-71 from piano wire. The MN-71 is primarily a visual 
instrument and will require significant cropping of the final image... but 
offers the best contrast of any OTA I have and no color issues. The 1080mm FL 
is going to be a little shy considering M1 at 6'X 4' and Saturn at 20.5"... but 
it's the best shot I have at catching something worthwhile.

As for motion... Saturn is just past opposition and is heading toward its 
retrograde loop... motion will be minimal, relatively speaking... but will be 
an issue with longer focal lengths/exposures. The entire event will be visible 
for several days, with mid-transit occuring at 6:30 PM EST on 01/03 and ending 
at noon the next day... there should be plenty of time to try and catch them 
both in the same field of view.

Good Luck, All!

Geoff Powers

--
http://home.att.net/~astropix/

--  APML Archives at <http://astro.umsystem.edu/apml/>  ---
             Unsubscribe at <majordomo@seds.org>