2005 - A Year of Planets

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi all.

Here's a composite of my planetary images this year, since I got the ToUcam.

It shows my progression from when I first started until now, as well as how tracking makes a huge difference. But it also shows that you can get quite good images without tracking, as some of my Jupiter images show.

I'm quite happy with the progress i've made this year. Unfortunately there's only been 2 or 3 nights of great seeing, where I've captured my best Jupiter and Mars images. But my understanding of planetary imaging has improved, including factors such as altitude, thermal influences, capture settings, and of course post-processing - and all of that has helped my images slowly improve over the year, even when the seeing hasn't been very good. It's also thanks to the sharing of information on this forum that my images have improved.

I've included the relevant details on each image (tracking or no tracking, what size barlow/powermate), and on most of them, the relevant technical details like phase and diameter. It helps to show image scale thanks to the barlow, but also image scale thanks to being at opposition with the planet.

There's still 3 weeks to for me to get another image or two of Mars or Saturn, but lately the seeing hasn't been kind, so I made this composite now and I'll add the images later if I manage to capture any more.

The image is only 900pixels wide, but it's almost 2000pixels tall. It's size is 146k jpeg. Don't forget to expand the image if your browser automatically reduces the size.

Comments welcome.

[h0ughy (David)]

awesome collage Mike!!

Now all you need is Neptune and Uranus, and a sky shot of where pluto is and you have the boxed set for the year!!

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks huffman.

Unfortunately I left my run for Uranus and Neptune too late for this year.. I should've persisted more a few months ago.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

That is a truely amazing effort Mike. You certainly nailed Mars and Jupiter. Top marks all round.

Awesome Mike!!

Would make a great poster!

regards,CS

[ving (David)]

and pluto... you forgot that one too...
I've heard its a dog of a planet to capture (badoom tish)


very good mike. are your last saturns over exposed?

[avandonk]

Originally Posted by ving

and pluto... you forgot that one too...
I've heard its a dog of a planet to capture (badoom tish)


very good mike. are your last saturns over exposed?

Spot on!

Bert

[davidpretorius]

brilliant,

i must say from someone following in your footsteps, this is a fantastic yard stick!!!

well done.

a very satisfying 2005

[avandonk]

That picture is an amazing achievement.I know how difficult it is to even observe planets with any sort of detail, let alone image them.I gave up on planets as even with potentially good seeing etc. the surrounding 'hot' houses and bitumen ruin the view.Thanks for the group shot.I suppose you are going to round up the rest.

Bert

[Striker (Tony)]

You must be pleased with that collection Mike.

I would like half the detail in some of those shots.

You sure you only have a Dob Mike...I am starting to wonder...your not hiding a 12" RCX400 around the corner are you.

[asimov (John)]

Excellent work for the year Mike, well done.

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks for the comments guys.

It was interesting while putting the composite together, going back over the images taken in the last year.. remembering the good old days with the non-tracking dob and pulling out some great Jupiter images.

I'm much happier with the EQ platform.. it's not as frustrating anymore

Looking forward to some large Jupiter and Saturn in 2006!

[Robert_T]

this is excellent Mike ... worth framing and hanging on the lounge room wall I think

You've got some spectacular Mars images there and a few jaw dropper jupiter's too
cheers,