Finally an acceptable M42

Due to trees in the south I wasn't been able to take a good shot at this nebulae. Yesterday I extended my EQ6-mount so I could peer over those trees. This version came out pretty well...

45 frames of 30 seconds on ISO 1600
Skywatcher 8" Newton
Canon 400 D

Snow, Venus and moonlight

Under clear skies the temperture dropped like a stone. Some fog gathered on the fields in the distance. Venus was clearly visible in the west. The almost full moon was already rising in the east. A sight too beautifull to resist. Shot taken with a Canon 400D with a 18-55 mm lens. Exposure was 20 seconds on ISO 1600.