20/02/2011 Dont laugh - first Saturn image

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This is my first ever image of Saturn. Kind of pathetic compared to most of the stuff you guys do here, but we all have to start somewhere ::lol:

The Details:

Celestron C8
TV 2.5 Barlow
Celstron Neximage
Processed with Registax

[Astroman]

All gotta start somewhere, and your off to a great start, the image scale is a little small, but I can make out quite a few details. Thanks for sharing, look forward to more from you... As I said, your off to a great start, well done.

ps... better than anything I ever got from Saturn.

[mswhin63]

Got to start somewhere, should have seen my first. I have never been able to re-take Saturn. Just bad timing. Well done for a first.

As some advice it looks like the video setting on the camera you are using may not suit the sensor. Try changing this next time.

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Thanks - I am using wxAstroCapture - Its not clear to me the exact settings I should be using, other than what looks the least noisy. A lot of research is needed :)

[renormalised]

Not bad for a first shot :)

How many subs did you stack and what was the length of the subs.

It would also be good to invest in a x5 Powermate, when you have the cash to do so. That'll help your image scale:)

[mswhin63]

640 x 480 is a good start, but in some cases as I have found there are resolutions available that don't match, so it is trial an error. I have managed to evolve to 1280 x 960 on my webcam, whereas 1280 x 1024 came up with the same issue that you have in your Saturn. Basically means I don't use that resolution anymore.

Get loads of frames 1000 to 3000 is a good start.

I use SharpCap, it has tons of features. It also allows me to have direct control over a number of settings too and include focus panel and other nifty things.

[Draconis]

Im hoping to make an attempt on Saturn soon, i'll be happy if i get something like you have on my first go. Nice work

[multiweb]

No laughing here. Pretty cool shot. I'd be stoked with that. :thumbsup:

[Quark]

Congrats on your first Saturn image Tim, it is such a thrill to capture the Lord of the Rings at any time, but the first time is very special. The image that you have produced has captured the head of the massive electrical storm currently raging across the planet.

Regardless of image scale or quality, to produce your own image of this unprecedented event is just great. wxAstroCapture is an excellent tool, a long time ago when I was using a ToUcam that was the software that I used. I still run my ToUcam in a modified 8 x 50 finder as an aid to aligning my scope for my primary planetary imaging camera.

Well done.
Regards
Trevor

[John Hothersall]

This how we all start and you got the storm and thats pretty amazing.

John.

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Thanks for the warm comments everyone - I actually tried to use a barlow with my Powermate (thereby getting me 5x), but the results were not as good as using the powermate by itself. Focusing was a real pain as well, not to mention trying to keep saturn on the chip.

[Clayton]

This is a great start.
I would be surprised if you could push to a 5X Barlow due to the lack of surface brightness?

[Paul Delligatti]

Hi Tim

Nice first image. I used a NexImage. But, with AM Capture. I would have been ecstatic with this first image. Cassini Division, storm...all good.

Couple things...
Shooting faster than 10 frames per second caused data compression for me. Dropped frames, freezes.
Camera settings? I would start in auto to aquire planet. Start with gamma and saturation about 50%. Adjust gain to desired color and detail and adjust brightness last. Not too bright. Or you wash out detail. Besides, you should be using histogram stretch in Registax. Make sure have downloaded the latest Registax version.

[Nightskystargaz]

Tim,

:thumbsup: on your 1st Saturn image. :).

CS,KLU,

:thanx:,

Tom

[stattonb]

good first shot of saturn and to capture the storm is awesome,better then my first attemp thru a cheap webcam. The practice you get the better the images will be but for a first start its great.

[astronobob]

Great result for 1st attemp, yep and to have captured the storm is a treat in itself. good one .

[Dave47tuc]

Good first up attempt Tim :thumbsup:

What mount is your C8 on?

look forward to more images. :)

[EddieDog]

Tim, not pathetic at all. Good pic. Wish I could do that!

Eddie

[Roch09]

good pick. looks like you have had at least some practice at astro photography.

[asimov]

A good start Tim!