Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Astrophotography => Topic started by: MarkS on Jul 28, 2008, 00:53:36

Title: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: MarkS on Jul 28, 2008, 00:53:36

Modified Canon EOS 350D on Celestron C11 at F10.
Single frame of 1/2000sec at ISO 800

(http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10046/iss270708.jpg)
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Daniel on Jul 28, 2008, 01:30:53
Thats awesome man, Im definitely going to try that myself next chance I get, by the way did you guy's see the big flare up once it crossed southwards, really impressive
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Carole on Jul 28, 2008, 08:35:50
That's even better than your previous ISS images.

Appreciate the tips on when ISS space station passes over and transit of red spot.

Carole
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Mike on Jul 28, 2008, 09:39:39
Incredible detail Mark.
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: MarkS on Jul 28, 2008, 10:45:41

I improved my technique for this image: I tied a broom handle to the scope! 

This gave me much improved control for manually tracking the ISS across the sky.

Now I have better control, my next step will be to add a x2 Barlow
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Mike on Jul 28, 2008, 11:27:28
Can you not set it all up with a laser pointer and just track the ISS with the laser? Then again I guess that would interfere with the image.
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 28, 2008, 12:07:15
Excellent image, also you are now a pure british inventor, anyone using a broom handle to monitor a multi billion dollar space station deserves the title of excentric as well.

Chris


P.S. How long was the broom handle and does it affect the image scale?
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: MarkS on Jul 28, 2008, 12:21:37

Let me clarify:
I used the finderscope as a sighting device.
I used the (slightly shortened) broom handle as a steering device.
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: JohnP on Jul 28, 2008, 17:13:50
Mark - that is excellent you certainly set the mark when it comes to imaging the ISS - Have you tried sending these off to any of the mags? - well done... John
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Ian on Jul 28, 2008, 21:18:02
good stuff Mark. Do you have a licence for a sawn-off broomstick?

I can hear TonyG muttering about mothers in law, but I can't quite make out what he's saying...
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: MarkS on Jul 29, 2008, 07:18:59
The same image but with mild deconvolution applied.  Bizarrely, this simultaneously sharpens the image and reduces the noise.

Before and after:

(http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10046/iss270708.jpg)(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/the_shelleys/Astronomy/iss270708v2.jpg)
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: RobertM on Jul 29, 2008, 08:05:01
Another stunning picture Mark, that really is impressive.  Great idea using the broom handle it must have made a big difference.

How many frames did you manage to catch and how many were usable ?
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Fay on Jul 29, 2008, 08:19:10
Really fantastic Mark, lovely image!!!!

Fay
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: MarkS on Jul 29, 2008, 09:10:17
Thanks for all your comments.

Robert, I took about 60 frames.  Only 21 actually had the ISS in frame and only 4 or 5 of these were usable.  The broom handle worked well for controlling the mount but I need to attach the shutter trigger button more securely to it - I was fumbling rather.
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: MarkS on Jul 29, 2008, 23:24:13

Had another go tonight (29 Jul). The orientation was similar but it was not quite so clear:

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/the_shelleys/Astronomy/iss290708.jpg)

Again, Canon EOS 350D, 1/2000s at ISO 800 on the C11 at F10

Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Fay on Jul 29, 2008, 23:50:14
You are so clever Mark.  I knew you would be trying for it. It was a nice sight going over tonight.
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: RobertM on Jul 30, 2008, 00:01:58
You out in your nightie again Fay !
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: MarkS on Jul 30, 2008, 06:01:44

Fay,

What on earth do your neighbours think?

Mark
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Fay on Jul 30, 2008, 08:21:38
You cannot see into our garden, Mark. You make me sound like Miss Marple, Robert!!!
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: JohnP on Jul 30, 2008, 08:45:26
Mark - Excellent again. Have you see APOD for today?? May be another challenge - I guess there must be a site that predicts transits from your location - although, I suspect you could probably work it out for yourself :-)

Cheers,  John
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: MarkS on Jul 30, 2008, 10:29:43

Yes, I believe there is actually a site that calculates ISS transits across the face of the moon and sun.
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Mike on Jul 30, 2008, 12:15:33
Quote from: Fay on Jul 30, 2008, 08:21:38
You cannot see into our garden, Mark. You make me sound like Miss Marple, Robert!!!

Actually, I just google earthed your garden and it's not a pretty sight!  :o
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Fay on Jul 30, 2008, 13:21:48
Gosh, I was younger then as well Mike. Being that Google Earth is a couple of years ou of date!
Title: Re: ISS 27 July 2008
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 31, 2008, 10:14:45
Well your in the calendar this year me thinks!