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Also, from the Wikipedia page on HD189733b:
      - HD 189733 b orbits its host star once every 2.2 days
      - This planet exhibits one of the largest photometric transit depth (amount of the parent star's light blocked) of extrasolar planets so far observed, approximately 3%.

What he did was cool but this exoplanet is probably one of the easiest to detect.

There a plenty of nice things that can be done with a DSLR and a cheap lens and none of those will ever replace NASA or real astronomical equipements that can be hundred or thousands of times more efficient (and expensive). For instance you can make nice pictures of andromeda http://www.budgetastro.net/ast... or see some of the satellites of jupiter http://www.weasner.com/co/Repo...

Don't try to build your own telescope before you even own one. That is like saying you should build your own car before you drive. You have listed a budget ($1,000) and a scope of work (astrophotography).

At that budget you will really only be able to take photographs of planets and the moon. Those nice photos of nebula take a lot more money. I'd say that a budget of $3,000 might start to get you there. There is a very steep price to quality curve for good star photos. If you want the cheapest way to really see nebula, get a very large set of binoculars. You will be stunned. Otherwise, here is what worked for me:

Equipment:

Meade Astro ETX-90AT (325 x 96mm) Telescope $600

Tripod: $100

Good Used Compact Digital Camera with a screw filter attachment: $150

Eyepiece Converter for camera: $70

Extra eyepiece for planetary observation: $80.

This adds up to $1,000. Few posting on this page will like it because every part listed here has significant drawbacks, but it will indeed get you photographs of planets.

Go to http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html to see how to put it all together.

I have been doing backyard astronomy for a few years now.

Hear is the list of groups and websites you want to visit or sign up:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DeepSkyImager/?yguid=222412370
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ETXASTRO/?yguid=222412370
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/astroplanner/?yguid=222412370
http://www.weasner.com/etx

The software. One of the best softwares i have tried is Astroplanner http://www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/
It allows you to plan your observations or download plans of others.
Will control your telescope and help align it correctly. runs both on Mac and PC.
They guy is very good at support, and it is not very expensive.

ps: I'm associated with Astroplanner but a very happy user.

they should nickname the mini star, Cooper

Got an ETX for Christmas? You should know this site.

Aperature is not always best. Often large aperature telescopes are heavier and if the mount isn't upto the task using the scope could be a pain.

I would look at the Meade ETX-105EC. Check out The Mighty ETX Website for more advise.

Oh no, bright flashes observed from mars?

I've been thinking about getting the ETX-90EC, and here are my $0.02 (I still haven't made a decision, though):

• It only makes sense to get if you also buy the optional (~US$100) GoTo computer. Without the computer, you simply have an expensive ~3.5-inch motorized telescope. You can get cheaper telescopes with larger apertures (aperture is king).
• A good place for ETX resources is http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html
• Most places I've looked sell it for around US$500. I don't know where you've been looking, if the average prices are US$600.

Best of luck, and keep looking up!

Best of luck, and keep looking up!

This might not be the same thing you're after, but it should hopefully give you a head start.