Hello.

My name is Marcel and I am the face behind the Baerenstein Observatory. The aim of my images of galaxies, shining or dark nebulae and star clusters is to unite science and art in an aesthetically appealing picture.

 

the observatory

With the construction of the 15 square metre observatory in 2015, a long-cherished dream came true. Gone were the days when I had to drive my equipment into nature at sometimes icy temperatures to find a dark spot with a 360 degree panoramic view for my shots. An observatory makes the work process much easier, because the time-consuming setting up of the technology is no longer necessary and I can fully dedicate myself to the recording. The planning and the realization of the observatory was of course a feat of strength, but it was worth it for me.

The construction

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Each project is preceded by a lengthy planning time. All parts of an observatory have to interlock perfectly like in a transmission, so that everything functions smoothly. From the choice of the perfect location, to the rolling roof, the right equipment, to computer and security technology. Misplanning leads to frustration during long recording nights.

the Equipment

Celestron RASA
Celestron RASA
Celestron C14
Celestron C14
CGEpro Mount
CGEpro Mount
CGEpro Mount
CGEpro Mount
ZWO ASI1600mmc
ZWO ASI1600mmc
ZWO ASI1600mmc
ZWO ASI1600mmc
filter drawer
filter drawer
RASA + 100q APO
RASA + 100q APO

Currently, the observatory is mainly equipped for astrophotography. Observation evenings do not take place. The two main optics are a powerful 11" Schmidt-Camera Celestron RASA, 620mm focal length at F2.2), which I use for most of my shots. For smaller cosmic objects a large 14" Schmidt Cassegrain reflector telescope is available (Celestron C14 with native 3900mm focal length).

2 equatorial mounts from Celestron (CGEpro and CGEM) with a payload capacity of 40 and 20kg are available.

Many cameras came and went over time. Currently I use a cooled mono CMOS astro camera from ZWO Optical (ASI1600mmc, 16MP) in combination with Baader filters for narrowband recordings (high-speed F2 filters H-alpha, OIII and SII, RGB filters, luminance filters and a filter for near infrared) for the main recordings.

The complete technology is conveniently controlled via data line from a nearby office. All image data generated during the nights are stored on the observatory server. The data can be easily accessed from any office computer. Numerous backups make data loss virtually impossible.

You can find examples of my work in the

gallery

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Baerenstein observatory

Baerenstein Observatory

private observatory
Marcel Drechsler

epost@marcel-drechsler.de

 

 

 

 

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