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First shot

Discussion in 'Astrophotography and Imaging' started by Scopejunkie, May 7, 2019.

First shot

Started by Scopejunkie on May 7, 2019 at 10:15 PM

11 Replies 1142 Views 3 Likes

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  1. Scopejunkie

    Scopejunkie Well-Known Member

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    The seeing conditions were predicted to be poor. They were, plus the fact that the moon was quite low. Yet, I was eager to start my new astronomy adventure in lunar/planetary imaging once the camera arrived. I bought a cheap camera to start the learning process. This was a "check out" photo. The camera and software worked first time out. Hope to have some fun with this new undertaking. Intimidated, you bet! Nervous, nope! I can't wait till Jupiter and Saturn return to the evening skies. By then I should at least have some of the learning processes under my belt.

    The web is a great resource. I hope to enjoy this journey as much as I have telescope making.
     

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  2. Scopejunkie

    Scopejunkie Well-Known Member

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    Seeing bad again. I feel like someone learning to drive a car. Patience in focusing and capturing are slowly sinking into this old brain. Processing? Ha! This is an adventure "into the jungle." So many knobs, switches, bells, and whistles! None the less, it looks like I was able to get the Cauchy lunar dome pit and a hint of the tiny craterlett just behind the Messier craters tonight. Just lucky I guess o_O Not too bad for a 50 dollar camera from Amazon. Hope to upgrade my equipment in the near future so I can seek to get some of those jaw dropping images others get. Got a lot to learn :confused: and that's part of the fun :)

    And now the weather is going to be bad for the next few days. Crap! Just when I was starting to have some fun :mad: May is not normally a wet month here. Looks like I will have some time to study more YouTube planet imaging tutorials as the rain comes down!
     

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  3. Scopejunkie

    Scopejunkie Well-Known Member

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    Thunderstorms this evening. High humidity and 3-4/10 seeing. Hopefully getting better at this. Details seem good but the image seems to be a bit harsh, if that's the proper word. Yes, I'm fishing for advice...

    Learning and having fun :D
     

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    Last edited: May 11, 2019
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  4. squeege3000

    squeege3000 Well-Known Member

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    Excellent image! you are clipping data, washing out with white.. fool around with levels and see if there is any data in the white areas. otherwise, very good!
     
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  5. Scopejunkie

    Scopejunkie Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the advice. So much to learn. Sure wish the seeing would get better. Tried some other targets tonight. I don't have much experience in image processing so I will be a wet behind the ear newbie for a while.
     

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  6. Scopejunkie

    Scopejunkie Well-Known Member

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    Seeing 2-3/10. Scattered high clouds. Weather going down the tubes for the next few days again. Not a typical May. Learning the tools. Hopefully getting better. I never expected to have this much fun for a mere 50bucks! Any suggestions on my next step up concerning a planetary camera?
     

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  7. squeege3000

    squeege3000 Well-Known Member

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    Now you're getting it! Great job.
     
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  8. Scopejunkie

    Scopejunkie Well-Known Member

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    Thanks! I've been going over some of my images and have started to practice processing using the different software tools seeking to get a feel of what they can do. This tech is amazing. Looks like I will have plenty of time to practice. The weather will keep me in for a few days :(
     

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  9. Ed D

    Ed D Well-Known Member

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    Nice captures, they show a lot of detail.

    You asked for suggestions on a planetary camera. I really like my ZWO ASI290MC. It's an inexpensive one-shot-color camera, making captures easier and quicker than mono with separate filters. Processing is also much easier. At the focal ratios/lengths of your C14 and DK Cass this camera will be working near optimum. If you look at Avani's images he also uses the ASI290MC, and his images are superb.

    Ed
     
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  10. Scopejunkie

    Scopejunkie Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Ed! I like your camera choice. Avani's shots are amazing. I hope to get to that level of imaging someday. Having fun along the way!
     
  11. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Great images, keep at it :)
     
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  12. Orion25

    Orion25 Well-Known Member

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    Great images, Scopejunkie!
     
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