From: Jim Chung <jim_chung@sunshine.net>

Date: December 30, 2009 7:51:28 AM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] Re: NGC 891 Edge On Galaxy

Milton,

Fantastic image!  I see that your heat packs appear to be working well in that you managed 20 minute guided exposures in -30C weather!  I wonder if the low temperatures have any beneficial effects regarding noise on the ccd.  The image certainly looks very clean.

I was trying to image Mars 2 mornings ago when it was only a mere -15C.  but it was cold enough that my Hotech laser collimator wouldn't fit into my dob focuser.  The Hotech has some rubber rings that when tightened allow it to self align itself but the metal on the focuser had contracted so much that it wouldn't fit!   I decided to forget about collimating, it was still pretty good from last time but the seeing was nasty and my feet were freezing up - so I went back inside.

Jim