Wild shots, just some tracking errors there. Two things you could do.
1. For these shots use IRIS and do a deconvulotion via the command RL 15 0 , you will find that this will fix some of this problem.
2. for future shots maybe consider an off axis guider and beefing up your ISO to 1000 - 1600 if you can.
Aside from that these shots are really good, nice focus for the most part and processing looks quite good. Your Swan came out better than any attempt I have tried. Keep up the good work. We need more of your shots, keep them coming.
BTW can you give detaisl about your shots, ISO, exposure time, camera, processing, just for interest.
Great shots seeker! I like the sombrero, it's my favourite galaxy in photos!
And paul, I think you missed this part in the first post
Quote:
ETX 70 and the Atik 1 c
They were taken using the modified webcam, so no ISO settings..
I think you did a great job on the eagle, the shape is definitely there. I do think though that your shots will improve with more practise at post-processing techniques..
I'd start having a look at PixInSight as it's starting to get quite a good wrap by the talented photographers at CN.
Thanks for your comments, people, they are really helpful.
I probably should invest very soon in an IR filter-plan to get one from Perseu in Portugal, who make the Atik.
I will try the deconvolution in IRIS as you suggest and also check out PixinSight.
(I did download Iris the other day but havent yet explored its capabilities.)
Paul, the scope is alt azimuth and as far as I know can not be auto guided. It's really Meade's entry level scope -short tube-350 mm and small aperture (70mm) but I am just having fun trying to see what I can squeeze out of it.
Each exposure ranges from 10 to 15 seconds-the maximum the scope can track without terrible trailing. Even then I dump 60 % or more of images taken. I then stack about 20 to 30 of the best frames and process in photoshop.
What I could and probably should do is build a wedge and polar align the scope to see if that improves tracking. Longer exposure time coupled with an IR filter could combat some of the problems noticed in the shots above.
Since its a webcam, the only controls I have in K3CCD are pretty much length of exposure, gain-usually set at around 40%, brightness and contrast which I leave at defaults. I leave the white balance on "outdoor", that seeems to work best as recommended by Atik. Usually amp is off-to fight amp glow.
Once again thanks for your comments and suggestions
Hey seeker, I now understand where you are coming from. Now there is something you can do regarding the star trailing.
You could buy a wedge and go equatorial, which quite frankly is a pain to set up if you are mobile as I am.
So you could do what I did and buy an off axis guider and illuminated reticle. This will improve guiding and remove star trails by 100%. Then you could also do what I did and buy a field derotator. Many people bag these but I have found that they are worth the money if you stay in the alt az mode. You can then take shots over an hour and guide at the same time.
Still with what you are currently using these shots are great. You can use my suggestions or simply ignore them, I won't take it personally. As long as you enjoy the hobby that is all that matters.
I really do appreciate your comments and suggestions.
At this time I think I am probably going to
Firstly, get an IR filter-the one from Atik costs 40 euros, so iceman as you had found a filter for A$60, could you please tell me where so I can get one from there as well? (The Atik is threaded to accept screw in filters.)
Second, build a wedge. There is a one minute difference in latitude between my backyard and the dark site I use most, so I dont need a lot of movement to use the wedge in both locations. (I actually made a start on a wedge some months ago but let it drift.)
I want to see how I go with these two first. Also back of my mind lurks the possibly of getting the CGNT 8 next year...and that certainly has provision for autoguiding.
However I will check out the suggestion of an off axis guider and reticule and the field derotator...I am not even sure if Meade or anyone else makes these accessories for the ETX70 though, it seems a neglected little scope.
decisions decisions
someone in my club once said astronomy is, like politics, all about compromises....
