Mini Jupiter!!!!

[Kylee]

Here's only my second go at this. Couldn't find it when I attached the 2X Barlow...think I need more practice!!! Haven't got a clue with the processing either...maybe somebody could get more out of this for me!!???

Was thinking I could get advice at the next imaging evening if I bring my laptop and the files? Or is it pointless until I capture with the Barlow?


Jupiter 10th November 2012 by kylee40, on Flickr


Jupiter 10th November 2012 by kylee40, on Flickr

[Philips SPC 900NC PC Camera]
Resolution=640x480
Frame Rate (fps)=25.00
Colour Space / Compression=YUY2
Exposure=-5
Brightness=57
Contrast=30
Saturation=85
Gamma=0
ColorEnable=255
BacklightCompensation=0
Gain=19
Skymax 127

[Tony G]

Excellent image Kylee. 

Tony G

[The Thing]

Hi Kylee,

Finding Jupiter with the Barlow in place is a pain. Make sure you have the reticle on in SharpCap, centre Jupiter, then quickly and carefully fit the barlow. Unfortunately with your current mount it is very hard not to move the scope a knats tadger and unfortunately that is often a nats tadger too much. Also when you fit the barlow Jupiter will be very out of focus. It may be easier to use Arcturus as your initial target - don't know if your handset will sync - when you fit the barlow the star will become an out of focus doughnut the edge of which is easier to spot in light polluted skies than a general blur you get with Jupiter. Centre the doughnut (you may find the 'eye' is bigger than your FoV which makes life interesting) then refocus, then move to Jupiter. Also make sure your finder is perfectly aligned first as that can help a lot.

Its easier when you have a widefield guidecam but the main Fov is so small even at slowest slew speed Jupiter whizzes across the screen at an alarming rate on the webcam.

You'll get there.

[Carole]

Good Kylee. 

I gave up trying to use a barlow with an Alt/Az mount, it will be much easier when you get your EQ mount.

Carole

[Kylee]

Sounds like I'll have more luck then with my new mount and maybe even my new scope? Do you think the scope will make for a better image Carole?

Thanks Duncan...I was getting Jupiter centred then as you say doing a quick swap but the mount was all over the place. Getting a new mount at the weekend...and a new scope so hopefully any attempts may be a bit easier and more successful. Will need lots of help I feel on how to use the mount and collimating the scope! Bit nervous but excited too  

[RobertM]

I'd say that was a really good result, it seems you have a knack for this photography malarky

[The Thing]

If you can get planetary shots as good as that with your current gear then a sturdier mount will improve them greatly. The scope you have seems to be pretty good, it will be possible to mount it on another mount so don't write it off completely.

[Kylee]

Thanks everyone   

I think I'll still have a place for my current scope and its very portable which is good...I've been happily using it for over a year now. I wasn't looking for another scope but it turned out that the man I'm buying the mount off also put as part of the kit his Skywatcher 150p and lots of other extras. He has upgraded so I was lucky enough to be put in touch with him and have purchased a great bit of equipment. I eventually want to do deep sky and my current scope is no good for that....and now I'll have a scope for deep sky....very excited.

[Carole]

Do you think the scope will make for a better image Carole?

I don't really have any experience of imaging with Newtonians.  However I am optimistic that it will be fab once you've got the hang of it.

Carole