Book Telescope Time at the Gemsbock Observatory

Thank you for your interest in imaging from one of the darkest skies on Earth.
With my remote observatory, equipped with a Planewave CDK14 and state-of-the-art technology, I offer you the opportunity to book your own exposure time in Namibia.

What to expect:

  • Planewave CDK14 with Televue 0.8x reducer, QHY 268M, and Baader filters
  • Aperture: 356 mm
  • Focal length: 2050 mm (f/5.76)
  • Field of view: approx. 38.5′ × 25′ (slight variation possible due to dithering)
  • Available filters: L, R, G, B, Hα, OIII
  • Typische Seeingbedingungen: 1.7” – 2.7”

You will receive:

  • fully calibrated stacked images (dark- and flat-corrected) in PixInsight format (.xisf, 32-bit) or as 32-bit .fits files
  • additional support depending on the selected package

Raw Data Archive

  • Quick start with existing datasets
  • Selection from the gallery of available objects
  • You will receive a download link for the stacked images.

€90 per complete dataset

Order Now

Expert Package

  • Full control over your chosen target
  • You choose the target and the total exposure time per filter.
  • I will capture the images according to your specifications and keep you updated
  • You decide on any additional exposure time

€20 per hour of exposure time

Start Project

Planning Package

  • Personalized support for planning and implementation
  • You choose the target
  • I plan the framing, filters, and exposure time, coordinating everything with you.
  • You decide on any additional exposure time
  • Complete customized observing plan, including recommendations

€20 per hour of exposure time + €50 for planning

Request Planning

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Which filters are available?

  • L, R, G, B, Hα (6.5 nm), OIII (6.5 nm).
  • SII is not available — that filter slot is occupied by a blue-blocking filter used for exoplanet transit observations.

How is the exposure time billed?

  • Only the actual exposure time is billed.
  • Time spent on slewing to the target, focusing, filter changes, and similar tasks is free of charge.
  • If exposures are affected by clouds, that time will not be charged and replacement exposures will be taken until an optimal dataset is achieved.

Can I take images during moonlight?

  • LRGB and OIII images are usually taken under moonless skies.
  • Hα images are usually taken up to the first quarter or after the last quarter of the Moon, as long as the separation from the Moon is greater than 50°.
  • Individual arrangements can be made at any time.

How is the camera oriented?

  • The camera is fixed mounted.
  • The long side of the image is aligned with the right ascension axis, rotated -1° toward the east.

Can I also receive single exposures?

  • Unfortunately, this is not possible.
  • Due to the large amount of data, only stacked images are available.

Legal Information on Image Usage

The images are free for private use and publication (e.g., in forums, on social media, or as reader images in magazines).
Please always credit the source: „Gemsbock Observatory – Franz Hofmann Astroimages“

  • Raw Data Archive Package: Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 Attribution – NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0)
    You may edit and publish the data as long as you credit the author and use it for non-commercial purposes.
  • Expert and Planning Packages Licensed under CC BY 4.0 Attribution (CC BY 4.0)
    You may edit, publish, and also use the data commercially, as long as you credit the author.