Jupiter Moons and Red Spot - Astrophotography - Celestron 4SE

How does Jupiter hold up his trousers?

With an asteroid belt.

--Astronomy Jokes

Jupiter is one of the most exciting objects to observe in the solar system. Even a small telescope reveals its bright cloud belts, the famous Great Red Spot, and the four large Galilean moons — Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Watching these moons change position from night to night (and sometimes hour to hour) is one of the highlights of amateur astronomy.

This photo was taken with my Celestron NexStar 4SE Maksutov telescope from Brooklyn, NYC. For bright planets like Jupiter, Mars, Venus, or Saturn, light pollution is not a problem at all. These planets are extremely bright, and the telescope’s tiny field of view blocks almost all city glow. Light pollution mainly affects faint stars and the Milky Way, but not planets — they remain sharp and clear even in a heavily light-polluted city like New York.

Capturing both Jupiter’s atmospheric details and all four moons in a single frame is not easy. The planet needs a very short exposure to reveal the belts and the Great Red Spot, while the moons require a much brighter setting. For the final image, I combined two photos — one optimized for Jupiter itself and another for the moons. I checked the ephemeris for that night so I could label each moon correctly. The positions of Jupiter’s moons can be easily found using online tools — for example, the Sky & Telescope Jupiter’s Moons calculator.

The Image

Jupiter Moons and Red Spot Astrophotography Celestron 4SE - Brooklyn NYC

What You Can See in the Image

• Jupiter’s two main cloud belts
• The Great Red Spot on the disk
• All four Galilean moons correctly positioned for that night
• Labeled moons based on calculated ephemeris

For a compact 4-inch telescope, this is a very satisfying result. The combination of sharp planetary details and the full set of moons gives a realistic view of the dynamic Jupiter system.

Gear & Technique

• Telescope: Celestron NexStar 4SE Maksutov
• Mount: GoTo Alt-Az
• Method: Two-photo composite — short exposure for Jupiter, brighter exposure for moons
• Main challenge: Huge difference in brightness between planet and moons

This image shows what a small telescope can do even in the middle of a major city. Planets are bright enough to cut through light pollution, and their details are visible whenever the atmosphere is steady.

Related Astrophotography Posts

• Saturn – Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope (RegiStax & NexImage)
• M42 Orion Nebula – iOptron SkyTracker Astrophotography in NYC
• Hawaii Lunar Eclipse – January 20, 2019
• Milky Way Over the Observatory Domes – Cherry Springs State Park
• Milky Way Over the Sailing Stone – Racetrack Playa, Death Valley
• Rainbow of the Milky Way and the Eternal Baobab – Tarangire, Tanzania

Explore Scientific 82° Series 8.8mm Eyepiece

I bought Wide angle  Eyepiece. Every time kids complain that they not able to see planets or stars in the telescope but later find right angle of view confirm that it is OK. I hope that now with wide angle Eyepiece problem will solved.

The  Explore Scientific has very nice box :)

Explore Scientific 82deg Series 8.8mm Eyepiece Box

Explore Scientific 82 Series 8.8mm Eyepiece Open Box

Constellation box of Explore Scientific 82 Series 8.8mm Eyepiece

Celestron 4SE and Explore Scientific 82 Series 8.8mm Eyepiece

Explore Scientific Eyepiece and Celestron 4SE

Explore ScientificWide Angle Eyepiece

Astrophotography Equipment DSLR Webcam Collage

This astrophotography collage shows a small collection of images representing different types of astronomical photography: solar and lunar eclipses, planetary imaging, deep sky objects, the Milky Way, aurora borealis, and astrophotography equipment.

The collage also illustrates some of the equipment used for capturing these images, including a Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope, Canon EOS DSLR cameras, astronomy webcams, and large astronomical binoculars. Different astronomical targets require different techniques — from long-exposure DSLR photography for wide-field night landscapes to high-frame-rate webcam imaging for planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars.

Over the years I have experimented with multiple astrophotography methods: planetary imaging using RegiStax stacking, solar imaging with a Coronado SolarMax telescope, wide-field Milky Way photography, and eclipse photography. This collage represents some of those early experiments and observations.

Astrophotography Equipment DSLR Webcam Collage – Planetary, Solar and Night Sky Astrophotography

Most of these images were captured from New York City or nearby locations, demonstrating that interesting astrophotography is possible even under light-polluted skies. Other images were taken from darker locations such as national parks and remote observing sites.

Astrophotography Posts Featured in This Collage

• Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope with Barlow and Canon EOS 40D Setup
• NYC Lunar Eclipse – April 15, 2014
• Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis Astrophotography
• Comet 103P/Hartley 2 from New York City
• Solar Prominences – Coronado SolarMax II 60
• Saturn – NexStar 4SE, RegiStax 6 and NexImage Webcam
• Saturn – Celestron NexStar 4SE Planetary Imaging
• Solar Eclipse from New York – November 3, 2013
• Jupiter 2010 Opposition – NexStar 4SE Planetary Imaging
• Mars Map – Identifying Surface Features with Celestron NexStar 4SE
• Zhumell 20×80 Astronomy Binoculars
• Milky Way – Yosemite National Park Astrophotography

This collage shows how different branches of astrophotography — planetary, solar, deep-sky, night landscape, and atmospheric phenomena — can all be captured with relatively modest amateur equipment. From photographing the rings of Saturn and the cloud belts of Jupiter to capturing the Milky Way over dark landscapes, astrophotography allows us to explore the universe from our own planet.

Zhumell 20x80mm SuperGiant Astronomy Binoculars

The Zhumell 20x80mm SuperGiant Astronomy Binoculars are impressive mainly because of their sheer size. An 80mm objective lens is enormous for binoculars and collects a surprising amount of light for wide-field astronomical observing.

In the photos below, the Zhumell 20x80mm binoculars are shown in two different setups. In some images, they are placed side-by-side with a Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope for direct size comparison. In others, the binoculars are mounted on a tripod, which is the typical configuration for stable wide-field observing. Together, these setups give a clear sense of both scale and practical use.

Zhumell 20x80mm SuperGiant Astronomy Binoculars and Celestron 4SE

Zhumell 20x80mm and Celestron 4SE

Unlike telescopes, large astronomy binoculars offer a wide field of view and natural, two-eye observing. With 20× magnification and large 80mm objectives, the Zhumell SuperGiants are especially effective for:

• Star fields and Milky Way scanning
• Large open clusters
• Bright nebulae under dark skies
• Casual lunar observing

SuperGiant Astronomy Binoculars

20x80mm SuperGiant Astronomy Binocular

ET Astrophotography - Astronomical Binocular and Super Moon

In the first photo, the binoculars are mounted piggyback on the Celestron NexStar 4SE, a setup I jokingly called the “Mickey Mouse setup.”

The NexStar 4SE’s automated tracking allows the binoculars to follow the sky smoothly, making it possible to observe wide fields without manually moving a heavy binocular mount. It’s simple, unconventional, and surprisingly effective.

Related Celestron NexStar 4SE Astrophotography

• Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope with T-Adapter
• Saturn with NexStar 4SE and NexImage
• Celestron NexStar 4SE and Constellations

Coronado SolarMax II 60 Telescope

This post shows my first view of the Coronado SolarMax II 60 — a dedicated hydrogen-alpha solar telescope designed exclusively for safe daytime observation of the Sun. Here I focus only on the telescope itself, mounting options, and initial setup. Actual solar images and results are shown in separate posts.

Unlike regular telescopes that require external solar filters, the Coronado SolarMax II 60 includes a built-in H-alpha filter system. This allows direct observation of the Sun’s chromosphere, revealing prominences, filaments, and active regions when paired with a stable mount and camera.

For solar observation, a good mount is critical. The Sun moves quickly across the sky, and accurate tracking makes observation and imaging much easier. For my initial setup, I used a simple piggy-back configuration on a Celestron NexStar 4SE mount. This allowed me to take advantage of the GoTo system for easy solar tracking.

Coronado SolarMax II 60

Coronado SolarMax II 60

Below is the piggy-back configuration using a Celestron NexStar 4SE. This simple setup allowed me to quickly align and track the Sun using the GoTo mount. Later, this configuration was further modified and improved — those changes are described in follow-up posts.

Celestron 4SE and piggyback Coronado Solarmax 60

Coronado Solarmax 60 piggy-back

Celestron 4SE, Solarmax 60

Piggy-back Coronado 60 Celestron 4SE

Piggy-Back Mount for Celestron NexStar 4 (Item# BRKTPIG4)

This first setup proved that even a simple piggy-back mount can work well for solar observation. In later posts, I show the actual solar images captured with this setup, as well as further mount refinements.

Related Posts – Coronado SolarMax II 60

• Coronado SolarMax II 60 Telescope – First Solar Images
• Coronado SolarMax II 60 + NexImage – RegiStax Panoramic Processing
• Solar Prominences – Coronado SolarMax II 60 (Canon 40D)
• NexImage 5 Imaging with Coronado SolarMax II 60
• Coronado SolarMax II 60 + NexImage 5 – Color Comparison

Mars – Celestron NexStar 4SE Backyard Astrophotography

On April 2, 2012, I attempted to capture detailed surface features of Mars from my backyard using a compact Celestron NexStar 4SE (102mm) telescope.

Unlike the Moon or the Sun — which appear large and forgiving — Mars is a much smaller and more demanding target. Even during favorable oppositions, it presents only a tiny disk. This made it a real challenge for a 4-inch Schmidt–Cassegrain.

Mars Celestron NexStar 4SE (102mm) NexImage, 2-x Barlow

 

Equipment

• Telescope: Celestron NexStar 4SE (102mm aperture)
• Camera: Celestron NexImage
• Barlow: 2×
• Mount: Alt-Az GoTo tracking

Image Capture

Video duration: 4 minutes (240 seconds)
Frame rate: 10 frames per second
Total frames captured: 2400

Capturing video instead of a single frame allows atmospheric turbulence to be minimized by stacking only the sharpest frames.

Processing Workflow

RegiStax v6.1:

• Drizzle optimization
• Wavelets (default initial Layer 1)
• RGB alignment (RGB shift)
• Resize image 200%

Photoshop:

After stacking in RegiStax, subtle details were present but not clearly visible. To enhance them carefully:

• Slightly reduced brightness to allow stronger sharpening
• Applied Unsharp Mask to enhance fine details
• Reduced artifacts using Median Noise (radius 3)
• Minor color adjustment (slight magenta correction)

Aggressive sharpening can easily introduce artificial structures, so careful balance was necessary — especially with a small 4-inch telescope.

Observational Notes

April 2, 2012 — 9:47 PM

The Moon and Sun are large targets and well suited for the NexStar 4SE. Saturn and Jupiter also show satisfying detail. Mars, however, is significantly smaller and requires much steadier seeing and careful handling of scale. That is why I used a 2× Barlow for optical magnification during capture, and later applied RegiStax v6.1 “Resize 200%” to make the processed image easier to sharpen and evaluate. The software resize does not create new detail, but it helps present subtle features more clearly and makes visual comparison with Mars reference maps much easier.

This image demonstrates that even with a modest and affordable telescope, it is possible to resolve real Martian albedo features when conditions cooperate.

In the next post, I compare this image to simulation software and professional Mars maps to identify the visible surface regions.

Related Posts

• Mars Through Telescope – 100% vs 200% Resize (Celestron NexStar 4SE)
• Mars Map – Identifying Surface Features (Celestron NexStar 4SE)
• Moon Astrophotography – Lunar Close-ups (Celestron NexStar 4SE)
• Solar Imaging with Filters – Celestron NexStar 4SE
• Saturn Through Telescope – Celestron NexStar 4SE
• Jupiter 2010 Opposition – Celestron NexStar 4SE

Saturn NexStar 4SE RegiStax 6 NexImage Bahtinov mask and Vibration Suppression Pads

Saturn – April 21, 2011

This planetary image of Saturn was captured using a Celestron NexStar 4SE and NexImage planetary camera. Observing conditions were challenging — windy skies with intermittent clouds — so several techniques were used to maximize image stability and focus accuracy.

To reduce vibration from wind and mount movement, Celestron Vibration Suppression Pads were placed under the tripod. For precise focus, a Bahtinov focus mask was used before recording video.

Saturn, Celestron NexStar 4SE, NexImage, Vibration Suppression Pads, Bahtinov mask, Astrophotography

Video capture details:
Duration: 4 minutes (240 seconds)
Frame rate: 10 fps · Total frames: 2400

RegiStax 6 processing:
Align box: 3×3 · 10 alignment points
Drizzle optimization enabled
Wavelets: Gaussian · Initial Layer 3 · Linked layers 1 & 2
RGB shift correction

Photoshop post-processing:
Crop · Luminosity layer · Saturation · Contrast · Unsharp Mask · Save for Web (JPEG)

Saturn, Celestron NexStar 4SE, NexImage, Astrophotography

Second capture session:
Duration: 4 minutes 30 seconds (270 seconds)
Frame rate: 10 fps · Total frames: 2700

RegiStax 6 processing:
Align box: 3×3 · 11 alignment points
Drizzle optimization enabled
Gaussian wavelets · Linked layers 1 & 2 · RGB shift

Photoshop post-processing:
Crop · Curves · Contrast · Unsharp Mask · Despeckle · Save for Web (JPEG)

Bahtinov mask, Celestron 4SE, Brooklyn Astrophotography

Celestron Vibration Suppression Pads

Even with a small telescope like the Celestron NexStar 4SE, good planetary results are possible when focus, stability, and processing are handled correctly. Using a Bahtinov mask for precise focus, vibration suppression pads to reduce shake, and proper RegiStax 6 processing can make a bigger difference than aperture alone. In many cases, careful technique with a smaller scope can outperform a larger telescope used without attention to these details.

Related Celestron NexStar 4SE Astrophotography

• T-Adapter-C90 and Barlow T-Adapter (1¼″) with T-Ring for Canon EOS and Canon 40D
• The Moon Astrophotography — Celestron NexStar 4SE and Canon 40D
• Saturn Astrophotography — Celestron NexStar 4SE, NexImage, RegiStax
• RegiStax 6 — Saturn Astrophotography and Testing New Version
• Bahtinov Focus Mask — Astrophotography with Celestron NexStar 4SE
• RegiStax 6 vs RegiStax 5 — Jupiter Comparison with Celestron NexStar 4SE

RegiStax 6 vs. 5 comparison - Jupiter Celestron 4SE

Here is an example of the difference between Registax v5 and v6 for Jupiter (Jupiter with Ganymede Moon and Ganymede Shadow Transit, September 18, 2010 - Celestron 4SE)

Registax v6 - Wavelet - Gaussian Initial Layer 3 Used Linked Wavelets with denoise 1 and 2 layers, RGB shift

Registax 6, Celestron 4SE, Jupiter

Registax 5, Celestron 4SE, Jupiter

Some clouds are more visible in Registax v6, the shadow and Ganymede moon looks better. So my opinion Registax 6 gives better result with Used Linked Wavelets.

Related Astrophotography Posts

• RegiStax 6 - Astrophotography Saturn - Testing new version v6
• Saturn Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope RegiStax NexImage
• Jupiter 2010 Opposition - Celestron 4SE NexImage Registax
• The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024: An HDR Revelation of the Sun's Corona from Westport, New York
• Blue Moon November 21 2010 Celestron 4se Canon 40D

Saturn opposition, RegiStax 6, Celestron 4SE telescope

Saturn opposition 2011 - Celestron 4SE

Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope, NexImage, 2x Barlow lens, UV/Infrared Cutoff Filter (1.25")

April 3, 2011 12:26AM (EST)


Video duration 7 min (420sec), Frame Rate 5 frames/second, 2100 frames.

Registax v6 - Align Default, 16 align points, Drizzling Optimization, Wavelet - Gaussian Initial Layer 3 Used Linked Wavelets with de-noise 1 and 2 layers, Zoom, RGB shift

Photoshop CS3 - Crop, Curves... - Auto with Highlight Color 210 210 210 , Save for Web Device jpg

RegiStax 6 - Astrophotography Saturn - Testing new version v6

In April 2011, RegiStax 6 was officially released — and I immediately downloaded it to test on one of my favorite planetary targets: Saturn.

For planetary astrophotographers, RegiStax has long been one of the most important free tools available. The new version introduced major improvements in alignment, wavelet sharpening, and processing speed — making experimentation much easier and more intuitive.

What Was New in RegiStax 6?

Release date: April 2, 2011
Platform tested: Windows Vista

Installation was simple and smooth. Compared to Version 5, the interface became noticeably more intuitive and streamlined.

One of the biggest improvements for me was the multi-alignment feature. In Version 5, I occasionally experienced alignment issues. In RegiStax 6, alignment worked flawlessly — almost like magic.

The introduction of Linked Wavelet Layers was a game-changer. This allowed more controlled sharpening adjustments across layers, producing smoother yet detailed planetary surfaces.

Processing speed was significantly improved, allowing more experimentation with parameters — essential when trying to extract fine details from stacked planetary frames.

Equipment Used for Saturn Imaging

Telescope: Celestron NexStar 4SE
Barlow Lens: 2× Barlow
Camera: NexImage planetary webcam
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Target: Saturn

This setup represents classic early-2010s webcam planetary astrophotography — recording AVI video files and stacking thousands of frames in RegiStax.

Webcam Astrophotography - Celestron 4SE NexImage - Brooklyn Astronomy

Processing Workflow in RegiStax 6

The video above demonstrates the full workflow:

• Loading AVI video file
• Setting alignment points
• Frame quality analysis
• Stacking selected frames
• Wavelet sharpening (linked layers)
• Final image optimization

Stacking video frames dramatically improves signal-to-noise ratio and reveals planetary details such as Saturn’s ring structure and atmospheric banding.

Why RegiStax Was (and Still Is) Important

In the early 2010s, RegiStax was one of the most accessible tools for amateur planetary imaging. It allowed backyard astronomers — even from urban environments like Brooklyn — to capture detailed images of planets.

Even today, many astrophotographers use RegiStax for final wavelet sharpening after stacking in AutoStakkert.

Huge thanks to the developers of RegiStax for creating and maintaining such an incredible free tool for the astronomy community.

Related Astrophotography Posts

• Jupiter 2010 Opposition – Celestron 4SE
• Blue Moon – Celestron NexStar 4SE
• Coronado SolarMax II 60 – Solar Imaging

T-Adapter-C90 and Barlow T-Adapter 1 1/4 inches and T-ring for Canon EOS and Canon 40D

This post is the first part of a small series showing how to connect a Canon EOS DSLR to the Celestron NexStar 4SE for prime-focus astrophotography. Before assembling anything, here are the individual components you need: the T-Adapter-C90, Barlow T-Adapter 1¼ inches, a Canon EOS T-ring, and the Canon EOS 40D camera body.

Photographing the parts separately helps beginners understand how each piece looks and where it will eventually fit in the optical path. Later posts in this series will show the full assembly and the final connection to the telescope.

T-Adapter-C90, Barlow T-Adapter 1 1/4 inches, T-ring for Canon EOS, Canon 40D - Astrophotograpgy adapter setup for Celestron 4SE 

Components Shown in the Photo

• Canon EOS 40D DSLR camera body
• Celestron T-Adapter-C90 (93635-A)
• Barlow T-Adapter 1¼ inches (Celestron 93640)
• Canon EOS T-ring

This post only shows the individual pieces. In the next steps, you will see how these parts combine into a full optical train for prime-focus imaging or higher-magnification setups using the 1¼-inch Barlow T-Adapter. By understanding the components first, it becomes much easier to follow the later assembly photos and the final telescope-to-camera configuration.

Assembly Series: Connecting a Canon EOS Camera to the Celestron NexStar 4SE

• Part 1 – Components: T-Adapter-C90, Barlow T-Adapter 1¼", T-ring, Canon 40D (this page)
• Part 2 – NexStar 4SE with T-Adapter-C90 and Canon EOS 40D
• Part 3 – Assembled configuration with Barlow T-Adapter and Canon EOS 40D
• Part 4 – 4SE telescope with Barlow T-Adapter 1¼", Erect Image Diagonal, and Canon EOS 40D

4se Celestron with Barlow t-Adapter and Canon EOS 40D

This post shows the second assembled configuration for attaching a Canon EOS DSLR to the Celestron NexStar 4SE. In this setup, the camera is mounted using the 1¼-inch Barlow T-Adapter (93640), providing additional magnification while still operating in true prime-focus mode.

This configuration follows the first assembled setup using the T-Adapter-C90 on the rear port. While both deliver native prime focus, the camera is attached to a different optical output port of the telescope.

Second assembled configuration: 4SE with Barlow T-Adapter 1¼", Canon EOS T-ring, and Canon EOS 40D on the top optical port

How This Assembly Differs from the First Assembled Configuration

In the first assembled setup (Part 2), the camera attaches to the rear threaded photographic adapter. In this second configuration, the camera attaches to the top diagonal barrel, the same position normally used by the finderscope bracket.

• Rear port (Part 2): Camera inline with optical tube.
• Top port (this post): Camera faces upward for easier LCD viewing and better weight balance.

Both positions are true prime focus, only using different light output paths.

Understanding the Two Camera Attachment Points on the Celestron 4SE

The Celestron NexStar 4SE includes a built-in Flip Mirror Control that allows light to exit through either:

• Rear threaded photographic port (used in Part 2)
• Top diagonal port (used in this Part 3 configuration)

Switching the flip mirror determines which port receives the light. This second assembled configuration simply uses the top port + 1¼-inch Barlow T-Adapter for increased magnification and easier access to the camera screen.

Equipment Used

• Celestron NexStar 4SE Maksutov-Cassegrain
• Barlow T-Adapter 1¼" (93640)
• Canon EOS T-ring
• Canon EOS 40D DSLR

Assembly Series: Connecting a Canon EOS Camera to the Celestron NexStar 4SE

• Part 1 – Components Only (all adapters and camera shown separately)
• Part 2 – First Assembled Configuration: T-Adapter-C90 on Rear Port (Prime Focus)
• Part 3 – Second Assembled Configuration: Barlow T-Adapter on Top Port (Prime Focus)
• Part 4 – Third Assembled Configuration: Barlow T-Adapter + Erect Image Diagonal

4se Telescope with Barlow t-Adapter 1 1/4 inches (93640), Erect Image Diagonal (94116) and Canon EOS 40D

This post shows the third assembled configuration for attaching a Canon EOS DSLR to the Celestron NexStar 4SE. In this setup, the camera connects to the rear port of the telescope, but instead of attaching the DSLR directly, this configuration uses an Erect Image Diagonal (94116) between the telescope and the 1¼-inch Barlow T-Adapter.

This places the DSLR in a horizontal orientation, which becomes especially convenient when the telescope is pointed around 45° above the horizon. Even as the optical tube tilts upward, the camera remains easy to reach, focus, and frame. Although the diagonal changes the direction of the camera, the configuration still operates in true prime-focus mode.

Celestron NexStar 4SE with Erect Image Diagonal (94116), Barlow T-Adapter 1¼", and Canon EOS 40D.

How This Configuration Works

The Erect Image Diagonal attaches to the rear threaded port, and the 1¼-inch Barlow T-Adapter is inserted into the diagonal’s eyepiece holder. The Canon EOS T-ring and 40D DSLR attach to the Barlow adapter.

This provides a comfortable horizontal camera position, ideal when the telescope is pointed toward objects at mid-altitude angles (~45° above the horizon). Because the telescope’s native focal path is preserved, this remains true prime-focus astrophotography.

When This Configuration Is Most Useful

This setup is especially effective when photographing targets located around 45° above the horizon. At these angles, the telescope tube is tilted upward while the DSLR remains horizontal, making focusing and framing much easier.

All three assembled configurations in this series have their own advantages and limitations. Depending on the altitude angle of your target — low, mid-altitude, or near zenith — you can select the configuration that offers the most comfortable and stable camera position.

Comparison With Earlier Configurations

• Part 2 – First Assembled Configuration: Straight-through rear port using T-Adapter-C90
• Part 3 – Second Assembled Configuration: Top port via flip mirror with 1¼" Barlow T-Adapter
• This Part 4 – Third Assembled Configuration: Rear port + Erect Image Diagonal + Barlow, DSLR horizontal — ideal for ~45° elevation

Equipment Used

• Celestron NexStar 4SE Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope
• Erect Image Diagonal (94116)
• Barlow T-Adapter 1¼" (93640)
• Canon EOS T-ring
• Canon EOS 40D DSLR

Assembly Series: Connecting a Canon EOS Camera to the Celestron NexStar 4SE

• Part 1 – Components Only
• Part 2 – First Assembled Configuration (Rear Port, T-Adapter-C90)
• Part 3 – Second Assembled Configuration (Top Port, Barlow T-Adapter)
• Part 4 – Third Assembled Configuration (Rear Port, Erect Image Diagonal + Barlow)

Comparison of the Three Assembled DSLR Configurations on the Celestron NexStar 4SE

Configuration	Camera Port Used	Camera Orientation	Best For (Altitude Angle)	Advantages
Part 2 – Straight Rear Port T-Adapter-C90 + Canon EOS	Rear Threaded Photographic Adapter	Inline with telescope tube	Low altitude (near horizon) Best mechanical stability.	• Shortest optical path • Strong support • Best for Moon, planets, low-angle objects
Part 3 – Top Port via Flip Mirror Barlow T-Adapter 1¼" + Canon EOS	Top Diagonal Barrel (Flip Mirror Output)	Camera facing upward	High altitude (70–90°) Ideal near zenith.	• Very easy LCD viewing • Weight close to mount arm • Excellent for objects high in the sky
Part 4 – Rear Port + Erect Image Diagonal Diagonal → Barlow → Canon EOS	Rear Threaded Port → Diagonal	DSLR horizontal via diagonal	Mid-altitude (~45°) Most comfortable orientation.	• Camera stays horizontal • Very ergonomic focusing • Great for clusters and mid-altitude targets

Each configuration has its own strengths, limitations, and ideal angle ranges. By choosing the correct setup based on the altitude of your astrophotography target, you can achieve the most comfortable camera position and the best mechanical stability with the Celestron NexStar 4SE.

NexStar 4se telescope with T-Adapter-C90 (93635-A) and Canon EOS 40D

How to attach a Canon DSLR to the Celestron NexStar 4SE using the T-Adapter-C90 (93635-A) and a Canon EOS T-Ring — a simple and reliable setup for beginner astrophotography.

The Celestron NexStar 4SE is one of the most popular beginner telescopes for planetary, lunar, solar, and bright nebula photography, making it an excellent first step into real astrophotography. This post shows the exact setup I used to attach my Canon EOS 40D DSLR to the NexStar 4SE using the T-Adapter-C90 (93635-A) and a Canon EOS T-ring. If you’re just beginning telescope astrophotography, this is the first and most important connection you need to learn.

How the DSLR attaches to the NexStar 4SE

The process is simple: the telescope's visual back accepts the T-Adapter-C90, and the Canon EOS T-ring attaches to the adapter. Once the T-ring is locked onto your DSLR, the entire camera becomes the “eyepiece,” letting you capture the Moon, planets, and bright star fields directly through the optical system.

Canon EOS 40D attached to Celestron NexStar 4SE using the T-Adapter-C90 (93635-A) and Canon EOS T-ring

This is the complete physical connection: Telescope → T-Adapter → Canon T-Ring → DSLR. No eyepiece is used during prime-focus astrophotography.

Equipment used

• Celestron NexStar 4SE Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope
• T-Adapter-C90 (Celestron 93635-A)
• T-ring for Canon EOS
• Canon EOS 40D DSLR camera

Why This Setup Works Well

This configuration enables prime focus astrophotography, where the telescope’s optics act as the camera’s lens. By attaching the Canon EOS 40D directly to the Celestron NexStar 4SE using the T-Adapter and T-Ring, you get a stable, optically efficient setup ideal for bright astronomical targets.

This setup is perfect for photographing objects such as:

• The Moon (excellent detail and sharp contrast)
• Jupiter and Saturn (rings, cloud bands, moons)
• Venus and Mars
• The Sun — ONLY with a proper solar filter
• Bright star fields and clusters
• Bright nebulae (such as the Orion Nebula)

More advanced astrophotographers can later use the NexStar 4SE for certain deep-sky projects with skill and practice, so this telescope can grow with you as you learn. But for beginners, its strongest and most exciting results come from planetary and lunar photography, where the 4SE delivers sharp, detailed images right from the start.

Assembly Series: Connecting a Canon EOS Camera to the Celestron NexStar 4SE

• Part 1 – Components Only
• Part 2 – First Assembled Configuration (Rear Port, T-Adapter-C90)
• Part 3 – Second Assembled Configuration (Top Port, Barlow T-Adapter)
• Part 4 – Third Assembled Configuration (Rear Port, Erect Image Diagonal + Barlow)

More Celestron 4SE Astrophotography

• Blue Moon – Celestron 4SE + Canon 40D
• Mars – Backyard Astrophotography with the Celestron 4SE
• Total Lunar Eclipse – December 21, 2010 (Celestron 4SE)
• Jupiter, Moons & Great Red Spot – Celestron 4SE
• Celestron 4SE Astrophotography Saturn - RegiStax 6 Testing new version v6

Total Lunar Eclipse December 21, 2010 Winter Solstice

Total Lunar Eclipse December 21, 2010
New York, NY Celestron 4SE telescope. All exposures were taken with Canon 40D. Backyard astronomy and digital astrophotography. Weather in New Your during the eclipse time was fantastic, but a little bit cold.

Total Lunar Eclipse Celestron NexStar 4SE Canon 40D

The eclipse of December 21 2010 Tuesday morning was the first total lunar eclipse to occur on the day of the Northern Winter Solstice - the shortest day and longest night of the year (Southern Summer Solstice) since 1638 (first time in 372 years), and only the second in the Common Era. That will not happen again until 2094.

The eclipse was the first total lunar eclipse in almost three years, since the February 2008 total lunar eclipse. It is the second of two lunar eclipses in 2010.

NYC Total Lunar Eclipse Celestron 4SE Canon_40D Brooklyn Astronomy

Total Lunar Eclipse Celestron 4SE Canon_40D Brooklyn Astronomy

Total Lunar Eclipse Celestron 4SE Canon_40D Brooklyn Astronomy

Total Lunar Eclipse Celestron 4SE Canon_40D Brooklyn Astronomy

Partial eclipse begins 1:33am EST
Total eclipse begins 2:41am EST
Middle of eclipse 3:17am EST
Total eclipse ends 3:53am EST
Partial eclipse ends 5:01am EST

Blue Moon November 21 2010 Celestron 4se Canon 40D

This Blue Moon from November 21, 2010 was photographed in Brooklyn using a Canon 40D and Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope, showing how different white balance settings reveal natural lunar colors.

Color full moon, blue moon, Canon 40D, Celestron 4SE

A blue moon can refer to the third full moon in a season with four full moons. The earliest recorded English usage of the term "blue moon" was in a 1528. In 2010 Blue Moon was November 21.

Equipment Used

• Canon EOS 40D DSLR
• Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope

Color-Enhanced Blue Moon

1. Neutralize the colors (the median of the values of R, G and B is the same).
2. Create two duplicated layers.
3. First layer set as luminosity
4. Saturate the second layer.
5. Make invisible main background layer.
6. Play games with best parameters
So those colors are real, and the only difference is that they've been exaggerated a bit :)

Blue Moon - White Balance: Tungsten light

Blue Moon Celestron 4SE Canon 40D Brooklyn Astronomy

White-Black Moon - White Balance: Cloudy, twilight, sunset

Full Moon Celestron 4SE Canon 40D Brooklyn Astronomy

Yellow-Red Moon - White Balance: Shade

Full Moon Celestron 4SE Canon 40D

Related Astrophotography Posts

• NexStar 4se telescope with T-Adapter-C90 (93635-A) and Canon EOS 40D
• RegiStax 6 - Astrophotography Saturn - Testing new version v6
• The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024: An HDR Revelation of the Sun's Corona from Westport, New York
• Removing Light pollution Astrophotography Urban Astronomy
• Rainbow of the Milky Way and the Eternal Baobab — Tarangire, Tanzania

This Blue Moon project remains one of my favorite lunar imaging sessions. Using simple backyard equipment, the Celestron 4SE and Canon 40D can reveal a surprising range of natural lunar colors through different white balance settings.

Jupiter 2010 Opposition - Celestron 4SE NexImage Registax

These images and video capture Jupiter during its 2010 opposition, photographed on September 20 and September 21, 2010 from my backyard in Brooklyn, New York. Planetary opposition is one of the best times to observe Jupiter, as the planet is closest to Earth, appears brighter, and shows its largest apparent disk.

All video data was recorded using a Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope with a 2× Barlow lens and the original Celestron NexImage CCD camera. Despite heavy urban light pollution, Jupiter’s cloud bands and the Great Red Spot were clearly resolved using high-frame-rate video capture and stacking techniques.

Capture & Processing Details

• Telescope: Celestron NexStar 4SE
• Camera: Celestron NexImage CCD
• Barlow Lens: 2×
• Frame Rate: 10 frames per second
• Exposure: 1/10 second
• Video Length: ~4 minutes per capture
• Total Frames: ~2400
• Resolution: 640 × 480 (AVI)
• Stacking Software: RegiStax v5
• Final Processing: Adobe Photoshop

The AVI video files were stacked in RegiStax v5, where the best frames were aligned and combined to reduce atmospheric turbulence. Wavelet sharpening was applied to enhance fine details, followed by final contrast and color adjustments in Photoshop.

The video demonstrates the complete planetary imaging workflow: the physical backyard telescope setup, live Jupiter capture using AmCap, raw CCD footage, RegiStax stacking and wavelet processing, and the final sharpened planetary images.

Jupiter Celestron 4SE NexImage Brooklyn Backyard astronomy

Image 1 shows three photographs of Jupiter arranged vertically, taken approximately one hour apart. The planet’s rotation is clearly visible through the changing position of the Great Red Spot. In the top image the Red Spot appears on the left side of Jupiter’s disk, in the middle image it is near the center, and in the bottom image it has moved toward the right side. From this sequence, Jupiter’s rapid rotation can be visually estimated directly from the photographs.

Celestron 4 SE Jupiter Astrophoto Brooklyn

Image 2 shows the same three Jupiter photographs, again arranged vertically for comparison. This layout makes the motion of the Great Red Spot even easier to follow and highlights how much Jupiter rotates over a short period of time. Since Jupiter completes one full rotation in roughly 10 hours, significant surface movement can be observed within a single night of planetary imaging.

Comparison original one frame and Registax final Image, Celestron 4 SE, Brooklyn

This project demonstrates how effective planetary imaging can be even from a light-polluted city when using high-frame-rate video capture and stacking techniques. Jupiter’s cloud belts, polar shading, and the Great Red Spot are clearly visible thanks to careful capture timing and RegiStax processing during opposition.

Related Astrophotography Posts

• Saturn with Celestron NexStar 4SE – NexImage & RegiStax Processing
• Celestron NexStar 4SE and Constellations
• Celestron NexStar 4SE – First Assembled Configuration
• Celestron NexStar 4SE with Barlow and Camera Setup
• Bahtinov Focus Mask - astrophotography Celestron 4SE