More learning curve with the ASI2600MC 26MP camera

[Pete]

Have been concentrating on imaging with the 14" at prime focus. 3550mm is tough but it's coming together.

Planets are easy. As is Luna.

DSOs have been problematical. Still discovering stuff. Andy G spent an hour setting me up with proper PHD2 connections and Roger M was kind enough to give me a 2 hour tutorial on ImagesPlus so perhaps I'm getting a feel for things. As evidenced by NGC 7331.

NGC731_30x1m after RM tutorial.jpg (1.87 MiB) Viewed 1406 times

[NGC7000]

These are really beautiful shots, Pete. I think the one of Jupiter is fantastic as you captured a double shadow. Nice segment of the Deer Lick group, too.


Tom

[Pete]

At 3550mm focal length its a challenge. Although I've a Hyperstar f/2 setup there's much more to be done at f/10, including refinement of camera settings, proper use of processing software, and the addition of adaptive optics.

For instance, this 26 megapixel camera bins 2X, 3X and 4X. But pixels are only 4.63 microns square. At full resolution that's only 0.27"/pixel. I'd been experimenting with binning 2X and finally sat down with a pencil and calculated that even at 4X coverage is only 1.07"/pixel. Since its rare for local seeing to fall below 3 arc-seconds this is an example of huge oversampling at the expense of sensitivity. NGC 7331 is what I'm using as a calibration standard and tomorrow night I'll be back on it binned 4X.

[menardre]

Pete

You showed me those pictures when you visited here this week. The image of the moon, which you said is a composite, really blows me away. Detail is amazing.

I have never even tried imaging the planets. Your images are really good. Jupiter and Mars are really good shots. Someday I may try my hand at imaging planets - so I may be calling you for advice.

Trying to image at 3550mm is a real challenge for anyone. Looks like you are making good progress.

Roger

[Pete]

Last night I did process the above 7331 following your instructions Rog. Thank you so much for spending the time to teach me a bit about processing. This is also when I noted that the image was stretched to the extreme and impossible to improve further without stronger signal /better exposure. That's why I'll be trying for 7331 again with 4X binning tomorrow night.

Planets and the moon are ever so simple. Setting tracking to lunar rate helps as does a long focal length. But neither are necessary and CMOS chips that will not only do long exposures but frame rates of around 20/sec and exposures of around 1/250 sec.

At full resolution the lunar exposure actually blows up nicely to one or two feet in size. By far the most detailed I've ever done. Exceptionally still night and imaging unbinned with the 3550mm FL thru the 14" scope. 6 sets for composite, with each of the 6 images being 1000 frames processed thru AutoStakkert and then Registax, with a seamless merge in PhotoShop. Everyone should give this a try as it's really simple stuff. Especially Luna.

[Chuck]

Great shots Pete, you're moving right along. Especially like the planets and luna. The DSO's will come with time but tough with the 14". Look forward to your progress. Thanks for sharing.