Jupiter through an FSQ106 31-12-12

[SpaceNoob]

Not an ideal scope for planetary work, but worth a try while I wait for the deep space camera. This is my first real attempt at planetary imaging; I've been waiting to use the scope for more suitable targets, but still awaiting arrival of the SBIG ccd. So I figured with Jupiter being relatively close, why not try collecting some planet data?

Details

Optics: FSQ106EDX with 5x Powermate ~F/25
Capture: ASI120MM with Astronomic LRGB type 2c, ~50sec capture each channel @63fps
Process: Registax and Gimp (LRGB combine via layers)

Now I just need to figure out what scope to get for planetary imaging :D

[Shiraz]

good result for a 106. What sort of scope are you thinking of getting? - your mount could carry some serious aperture.

[SpaceNoob]

Ordered a 12" dob to mod. :D

I think I noticed that you wrote up some stuff on doing a few mods?
Very helpful, its good to see the stuff that's shared on this forum. I have a few ideas for improving cooling but will need to test a few things first. My gf's father is a sparky, pretty good with electronics so he'll probably be able to give me a hand. ;)

Will be a bit of work but pretty keen to experiment a bit with it before I look at either getting something better or building a newt later. This should keep me amused for some time I'd imagine!

Not really sure how the weather here in Canberra will be for a larger scope, probably going to run into a few issues due to temperature variations lol

Collected some more data tonight with the 106, pretty surprised at the detail I could squeeze out, but definitely hitting its limits I think.

This planetary imaging thing is pretty addictive and good fun. :)

[Shiraz]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=85990

with a larger aperture, seeing will limit the image more than the scope most of the time, so commercial quality mirrors can do a good job. As you say cooling is the big issue with a Newtonian and that is where you will need to focus most effort.

have fun.

[asimov]

Hi Chris. Welcome to the black arts of planet imaging! That's a nice result with that aperture! Personally, I only use SCT's for planet imaging. I have a 14" newt, but my C11 SCT will blitz it in most areas. Good luck with the Dob & look forward to your future results.

[SpaceNoob]

Thanks John :)

I've been looking at SCT's but they seem way overpriced here in Aus, almost double the price they are in the USA. C11 or C14 would be great, assuming I could cool it and get it stable here in Canberra.

[asimov]

Yes mate, the prices here are ridiculous! I'm lucky I purchased mine when I resided in the States. Obviously I brought mine back to AU with me:)

The newt will do an ok job, don't worry. It does seem to come down to getting that mirror to ambient though, more so than with an SCT. The secret with SCT's is that it's a closed system..The more you think along these lines & try and exclude it from it's surroundings, the better..;)

Peltier cooling for newts ESPECIALLY in Canberra! :thumbsup:

[Rigel003]

Very impressive result for a 4". I'm sure I've never seen a planetary image from an FSQ before.