Re: New to message board. Question: What camera(s) to use for Planetary and Deep space astrophotography
Hi Gary,
You just dropped a pretty loaded question and the answers will be varied and detailed I'm sure. I don't do planetary, but I think Brian's answer to that is a good one.
But for deep sky, you have a nice setup and you definitely are on the road for getting some great deep space images. The next part will be determined by your budget. If you want to do the very best, you may want to think about getting a cooled monochrome camera, a filter wheel, and LRGB, and Ha, OIII, and SII filters. When mating a camera with a telescope (with reducer), you need to consider the 1-2 arcsecond/pixel rule to maintain the best quality. A more detailed explanation can be found here:
Monochrome requires longer exposure times to collect data on one target, but you can bin the pixels to change the arcsecond/pixel ratio. You can't really do that with color cameras, though there is a software work around (not the expert here).
Color is easier to start with and requires less minimum capture time, but you will probably need at least an IR/UV filter in front, or the various dual or tri band filters for nebulae.?
The world is changing fast to CMOS and CCDs may be gone within a few years. But if you do go CMOS, I would look for newer ones with the backlit sensors, to minimize noise and amp glow. I have a ZWO ASI071MC which I have gotten some nice images with.
So final picture quality is related to money spent. There are some decent cams at $1000-1200 but that's about rock bottom. $500-800 cams aren't really worth too much for DSO's.
If you page through Astrobin for some objects you think you want to try, you can see what equipment was used. Likewise if you search for equipment used there, you can see what results people have achieved.
So a short answer for a complicated question. And then there is the processing software.
Regards,
John
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Re: End of Year - your best image(s)?
Sonny, love your image and commentary! I too want to become an accomplished long exposure? astrophotographer but unlike you I have a total of 5 months experience. Could you elaborate on achieving "critical Polar Alignment"? It continues to allude me!! Thanks ?Tom--- pedmondsjr@... wrote: From: "Sonny Edmonds" <pedmondsjr@...> To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io] End of Year - your best image(s)? Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2020 21:55:08 -0800 Sorry, probably been seen before, but 2020 changed my Astro Imaging dramatically because I got my GM811GHD mount, and finally ironed out my wrinkles from my bad habits developed from my old mount. But once I got my 811 set up exactly the way I've always dreamed a mount could be, plus a few things Scott built into the possibilities, my imaging has taken a whole new turn for the better. I'm a long exposure imager. I was forced on this path by my first camera which would only gather anything by doing exceedingly long single shot images. 20, 30, and longer, single shot images forced me to become good at alignments and guiding. So when Scott mentioned he likes long exposure imaging, I knew I was at the right place to buy my last mount. When I read that the RAEXT was made to allow imaging through the meridian's, with no Meridian flip, I knew that would be a primary use for me. I got it for sectionalizing the RA and Dec, but forgetting the flip? That was a dream! I finally felt worthy of trying it one warm June night. So excited I stayed awake until 03:30 Hrs, observing and working my mounts limits. That night tested, and proved some amazing capabilities for me. I stopped at 13,000 seconds of collected image. Since that night I've been interested in doing these singular long session images. And I like trying for the unusual and colorful Nebula. Nebula was what attracted me to astro imaging to begin with. Once I found The Great Orion Nebula with my spotting scope I was hooked on the pursuit. Something my "bad" camera taught me was time manipulation. Something my good camera has taught me is that with my 811 mount, and the RAEXT, I can still use time and let the camera stack and build the images. It's opened a whole new vain for me to use pursuing images in my simple form. Because I was having so much new found successes because of the new mount, and a new found ability to get really critical Polar Alignment. So I'm closing out 2020 with this handful of my bestest, and a Vodka and Orange Juice. Yep, 2020 was a screwdriver. Just force feed some Vitamin C to the liver. , , , and .-- SonnyE (I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: End of Year - your best image(s)?
Sorry, probably been seen before, but 2020 changed my Astro Imaging dramatically because I got my GM811GHD mount, and finally ironed out my wrinkles from my bad habits developed from my old mount.
But once I got my 811 set up exactly the way I've always dreamed a mount could be, plus a few things Scott built into the possibilities, my imaging has taken a whole new turn for the better.
I'm a long exposure imager. I was forced on this path by my first camera which would only gather anything by doing exceedingly long single shot images. 20, 30, and longer, single shot images forced me to become good at alignments and guiding. So when Scott mentioned he likes long exposure imaging, I knew I was at the right place to buy my last mount.
When I read that the RAEXT was made to allow imaging through the meridian's, with no Meridian flip, I knew that would be a primary use for me. I got it for sectionalizing the RA and Dec, but forgetting the flip? That was a dream!
I finally felt worthy of trying it one warm June night. So excited I stayed awake until 03:30 Hrs, observing and working my mounts limits. That night tested, and proved some amazing capabilities for me. I stopped at 13,000 seconds of collected image.
Since that night I've been interested in doing these singular long session images. And I like trying for the unusual and colorful Nebula. Nebula was what attracted me to astro imaging to begin with. Once I found The Great Orion Nebula with my spotting scope I was hooked on the pursuit. Something my "bad" camera taught me was time manipulation. Something my good camera has taught me is that with my 811 mount, and the RAEXT, I can still use time and let the camera stack and build the images. It's opened a whole new vain for me to use pursuing images in my simple form.
Because I was having so much new found successes because of the new mount, and a new found ability to get really critical Polar Alignment.
So I'm closing out 2020 with this handful of my bestest, and a Vodka and Orange Juice. Yep, 2020 was a screwdriver. Just force feed some Vitamin C to the liver.
, , , and .
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: End of Year - your best image(s)?
dang Ken
Such detail and rich color. Astonishing this is on a 24 year old G11
Hi Brian
I'll share a couple?
the first image is one of the last of my DSLR images before switching over to CCD(been DSLR for over 10 years)
IC 2167? ? ?(first part of 2020)?
And the second from the last part of this year ,my first time use(ever) of LRGB CCD monochrome from an SBIG STL11000 .
M45? ? ?(about a week ago)
Unfortunately My G11 (like the rest of this year) decided to be uncooperative....my 24 year old G11 has arthritis and somehow developed a bit of dementia :)
Waiting patiently for the TRA-AXIS?
Ken
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Happy new years folks...Brian hows the covid going with the Losmandy family?? Hope its ok
--
Brendan
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Re: Gemini2 HC touch screen problem
Hemant
email me I may have a way forward to get an TFT....may....? As I said before they are really difficult if impossible to find....been searching for ages even have the OEM part number but they stopped making theses 2009'ish.? But I finally might have found a place or a few places....
A lot depends on the driver IC in-bilit in the display (you don't see it) getting the display with the wrong driver...won't work...or many were produced with capacitive touch not resistive....again won't work....
So you have to get the exact one....so email me I might have some ideas....
--
Brendan
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Re: End of Year - your best image(s)?
Hi Brian
I'll share a couple?
the first image is one of the last of my DSLR images before switching over to CCD(been DSLR for over 10 years)
IC 2167? ? ?(first part of 2020)?
And the second from the last part of this year ,my first time use(ever) of LRGB CCD monochrome from an SBIG STL11000 .
M45? ? ?(about a week ago)
Unfortunately My G11 (like the rest of this year) decided to be uncooperative....my 24 year old G11 has arthritis and somehow developed a bit of dementia :)
Waiting patiently for the TRA-AXIS?
Ken
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New to message board. Question: What camera(s) to use for Planetary and Deep space astrophotography
Hello.?
I have been into telescopes and astrophotography since 1980. I want to get into digital capture of the planets and some deep space objects. I'm now retired and have time and a few bucks to use for this.?
Two years ago I bought a Losmangy G11 mount, and then a Celestron 11 HD Edge. It is housed in my little observatory (with slide off roof) in central Oregon, nice dark skys here. This is my first computer controlled scope, and once it is aligned it works great. I love it ! I have lots of accessories such as several TeleVue eyepieces, 2X powermate, .7 focal reducer, Baader Diamond Track focuser, and a Canon 6D SLR (non modified). I can get some good photos with the Canon, such as piggy back with lenses, have not had much luck with photos through the C11. I did get a few of Neowise Comet though. But with Planets, all I get are fuzzy blobs. Even using Live View and zoom hooked to a monitor I find it very difficult to focus on the planets. And focus through the viewfinder, forget it. I have not tried a video and then stacking with the Canon.?
So while I now have a decent scope with tracking, I need recommendations on CCD or CMOS astro cameras. Yesterday I exchanged a couple of emails with Brian Valente at Losmandy, and he used a ZWO ASI462mc on the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction.
I have been reading and watching videos on CCD and CMOS cameras. It sounds like both have their advantages.?
- CCD's:? ?been around a long time, more complex to make, uses more power, better light capture, less noise, better shutter and frame rate, expensive.?
- CMOS:? smaller pixels, uses less power, rolling shutter, more noise, less expensive
It sounds like I'm probably going to need one camera for Planets (small sensor), and another for deep space objects (larger sensor or just use my Canon SLR).?
So any recommendations on a Planetary camera in the $200 to $500 range, especially what works well with a C11 f10 scope. Or C11 at f20 using the 2X Powermate. Also one that has the ST4 port to connect to the G11 mount for autoguiding. I still need to learn about software as well.?
Sorry for rambling on a bit.?
Gary Martin
La Pine, Or
C11 HD Edge with G11 mount
Meade 8" f6 Newtonian (bought new in 1980 and still have it)
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The end of year is nearly here in Europe...
I wanted to wish you all an happy new year!
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End of Year - your best image(s)?
HI everyone
I would love to see some examples of images you all have taken over this past year.?
2020 was a strange one, but hopefully resulted in more time for observing and imaging
it would be great to see what everyone was up to, and get some inspiration for 2021!
PS - there's not a lot of room on the server, so links would probably?be best.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Re: Argh! Updates my fanny!
?(That's -19° in California, because
everybody sez "It's Freezing!" when the temperature hits 60°F here.
***
HA! But it *IS* cold..
I bought a pair of snow bib
overalls and fur lined trapper hat.. Arrived just in time for the Great
Conjunction..
:-))
?
Had a friend come down one
year for an asteroid occultation to Redding, CA in July at midnight.. It was
around 55F and he is happy as can be in his shorts and t shirt.. He was acclimatized
to Edmonton
weather..
?
Derek
SF Bay Area
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toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sonny Edmonds
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2020
12:31 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Losmandy_users_io] Argh!
Updates my fanny!
?
Finally get a clear night after some real gully washer rains (1.3"
here at my house), and wouldn't you just know....
My ASCOM is AS-SCREWED as it could be after Windoze did its recent downgrades.
So I spent some time shivering out in the cold trying to fix everything.
I downloaded ASCOM's Platform 6.5SP1. It didn't fix things but, hey, I'm up to
date there. ;^) The Service Pack removes the old version, then installs Ver:
6.5 SP1 Nifty! (Requires a restart. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Start
over.) But ASCOM's writers know how to do an upgrade! Thumbs Up!
If you find yourself with messed up ASCOM, try these little tidbits to unjam
what Windoze done. Mine were my Focuser, my Gemini Controller, and SharpCap,
that were or seemed problematic.
What did work, for me, was to go into my Settings>control panel>Apps and
Features>ASCOM Platform (your version)>Modify>repair. It fixed those
funky blues that the Ver: 6.5 SP1 didn't fix.
I found my ASCOM Gemini Telescope Driver needed Modified also (Thank You
Windows!) So I ran that also, to get any hackers finger prints out of my
upgraded hair.
All I can say about my focuser was it worked again. Smile. Big Smile!
After that, and a complete shutdown-restart, just for good measure, with my USB
from my mount disconnected, when I began again things worked as I expected them
to. In fact, better I think. Things now open faster, and work
"crisper".
If I've learned anything, it's that the code writers cannot cover every aspect
of everybody's computer. There are just too many variations we do to these
wonderful Creations of Frustrations.
By the time I got my poop grouped, and got my PA done and Model built, Mr. Moon
was glaringly high in the sky and I almost couldn't make out any stars I was
being told by Stellarium were there. I was blinded by the light.
My ass was froze. So I picked up the now Neutered Brass Monkey and packed it
in. Then spent a few hours thawing out under the covers. Holy Macadamia's
Windoze! It was 41° F! (That's -19° in California,
because everybody sez "It's Freezing!" when the temperature hits 60°F
here.
I've been beating a keyboard since before Al Gore invented the Internet. So I
just smile and fix my scattered poop. But I'd prefer to do it in where it is
warm.
Tonight is supposed to be sucky again. Thanks Windows!
Never a dull moment! I think my bloods a little thicker now.
Happy New Year!
---?
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
?
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AVG antivirus software.
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Re: Argh! Updates my fanny!
Hi Michael!
Yeah, give my mount computer a few weather days off and it forgets everything. LOL!
It was working fine before the Windoze update. And it is not the first time a Windoze update caused me pain.
Everything is working great now. (Thank Goodness!)
Happy New Year!
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: Geminids Dust thru M42
On Wed, Dec 30, 2020 at 05:14 PM, Tom wrote:
Thanks guys
I know, Tom, I was duped, too. Only I was sure it was an Alien Space Force. Happy New Year! ? -- SonnyE (I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Re: Geminids Dust thru M42
About 7 years ago I saw a star-sized light moving very slowly thru Cassaeopia. Very slowly.? Took a minute or two to move thru one of the Vs in the W. It did blink off once for a few seconds then back on. And then it did something very strange. It stopped. For maybe 15 seconds.? Then it began moving again. But at a right angle to it's former direction. Moved away at same slow speed directly North. Out of sight after min or two. Never seen a UFO AFAIK but this thing moved in a way that goes against everything I think I know about physics of space movement. This was not a satelite.? I've seen plenty of them.? Still very curious about what this may have been.
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Re: Geminids Dust thru M42
Even
more fun is the few days when the Sun is at the same declination, and the most
every satellite in the Clark Belt flares..
Many can be seen naked eye..
?
You’ll
remember this when you happen upon a blinking light in the sky that blinks
every 30s to 2min or so..
?
At
38 North, this happens when the Sun is about Declination -5 degrees.. or
thereabouts.. (I haven’t done satellites in a long time..)
?
Derek
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Derek C Breit
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2020
10:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io]
Geminids Dust thru M42
?
Depends
on your latitude (to get a boatload of geosats thru the Orion Nebula)
?
Parallax
and “The Clark Belt” is a nasty
combination..
?
But
they are easy enough – mostly – to remove in processing.. Sigma
Rejection, I think.. Just google “removing satellite trails in
astrophotography”..
?
Derek
?
?
I would say Satellites, too.
Reason being, I've capture the same thing about 5-6 years back. If I remember
right, there are 5 that cross The Great Orion Nebula.
Unfortunately, it's going to get worse and worse as we fill the sky with space
junk.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
?
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This email has been checked for viruses by
AVG antivirus software.
|
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Re: Geminids Dust thru M42
Depends
on your latitude (to get a boatload of geosats thru the Orion Nebula)
?
Parallax
and “The Clark Belt” is a nasty
combination..
?
But
they are easy enough – mostly – to remove in processing.. Sigma
Rejection, I think.. Just google “removing satellite trails in
astrophotography”..
?
Derek
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sonny Edmonds
Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2020
10:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Losmandy_users_io]
Geminids Dust thru M42
?
I would say Satellites, too.
Reason being, I've capture the same thing about 5-6 years back. If I remember
right, there are 5 that cross The Great Orion Nebula.
Unfortunately, it's going to get worse and worse as we fill the sky with space
junk.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
?
|
|
This email has been checked for viruses by
AVG antivirus software.
|
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Re: Geminids Dust thru M42
I'm convinced!!!! Also after thinking about it more - if these were really particles - then why didn't they just burn up!
Thanks guys
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Re: Argh! Updates my fanny!
Sonny,
Thanks for your heads up on the Ascom 6.5 upgrade ... to expect trouble.? No good deed goes unpunished as they say.? I like your advice to run the ASCOM Repair option.??
Stay well and safe, and happy new year too.
Michael
Finally get a clear night after some real gully washer rains (1.3" here at my house), and wouldn't you just know....
My ASCOM is AS-SCREWED as it could be after Windoze did its recent downgrades.
So I spent some time shivering out in the cold trying to fix everything.
I downloaded ASCOM's Platform 6.5SP1. It didn't fix things but, hey, I'm up to date there. ;^) The Service Pack removes the old version, then installs Ver: 6.5 SP1 Nifty! (Requires a restart. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Start over.) But ASCOM's writers know how to do an upgrade! Thumbs Up!
If you find yourself with messed up ASCOM, try these little tidbits to unjam what Windoze done. Mine were my Focuser, my Gemini Controller, and SharpCap, that were or seemed problematic.
What did work, for me, was to go into my Settings>control panel>Apps and Features>ASCOM Platform (your version)>Modify>repair. It fixed those funky blues that the Ver: 6.5 SP1 didn't fix.
I found my ASCOM Gemini Telescope Driver needed Modified also (Thank You Windows!) So I ran that also, to get any hackers finger prints out of my upgraded hair.
All I can say about my focuser was it worked again. Smile. Big Smile!
After that, and a complete shutdown-restart, just for good measure, with my USB from my mount disconnected, when I began again things worked as I expected them to. In fact, better I think. Things now open faster, and work "crisper".
If I've learned anything, it's that the code writers cannot cover every aspect of everybody's computer. There are just too many variations we do to these wonderful Creations of Frustrations.
By the time I got my poop grouped, and got my PA done and Model built, Mr. Moon was glaringly high in the sky and I almost couldn't make out any stars I was being told by Stellarium were there. I was blinded by the light.
My ass was froze. So I picked up the now Neutered Brass Monkey and packed it in. Then spent a few hours thawing out under the covers. Holy Macadamia's Windoze! It was 41° F! (That's -19° in California, because everybody sez "It's Freezing!" when the temperature hits 60°F here.
I've been beating a keyboard since before Al Gore invented the Internet. So I just smile and fix my scattered poop. But I'd prefer to do it in where it is warm.
Tonight is supposed to be sucky again. Thanks Windows!
Never a dull moment! I think my bloods a little thicker now.
Happy New Year!
---?
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Re: Geminids Dust thru M42
Great idea, Jamie!
https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/earths-equatorial-belt-of-satellites
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
|
Gary Martin
Michael Herman